A NEW ZEALAND V.C.

Dominion, Volume 11, Issue 94, 14 January 1918, Page 5

A NEW ZEALAND V.C.

RECOGNITION OF BRAVERY

GARRISON OP SIXTEEN

OVERCOME

London, January 11. N Eighteen Victoria Crosses havo been awarded, including one to_ Private Henry James Nicholas, a New Zealandor, for conspicuous bravery and devotion to duty in attack. . Nicholas belonged to a Lewis gun • section, which was ordered to form a defensive flank to the right of an advance, which was subsequently checked by an enemy strong point. Nicholas rushed forward alone, shot tho officer in command of the _ strong point, and overcame the garrison of sixteen, mon by means of bombs and the bayonet. He captured four wounded prisoners and a machine-gun practically single-handed, saving many casualties. Subsequently, when the advance reached its limit, Nicholas collected ammunition under heavy ma-chine-gun and rifle fire. By his exceptional valour and coolness throughout the operations he was an inspiring example to all.—N.Z. Cable Assn.Reuter.

By Telegraph—Press Association. Ghristchurcti, January 12. Private Henry James Nicholas, V.C., enlisted with the Thirteenth Reinforcements, and has not been wounded or suffered illness in any way, but has been in the firing lino all'the time. Prior to his enlistment he was apprenticed to Mr. .Martin, builder, of St. Albans, and after serving his time he went to Australia, where he followed the trade for about four years, and then returned to New Zealand. He was only here a few months, during which he worked in different parts*of Canterbury, when he enlisted.' He is a native of' Canterbury, having been born at Lincoln. He was educated at the Normal and tho East Cliristohurch Schools. Pri-' vate Nicholas is a good sportsman, boxing being the particular branch in which he has specialised. When at Sling Camp, England, he won the mid-dle-weight boxing championship for his regiment, and he was well known in New Zealand as an amateur boxer. His trainer was Dick Mayle. Before leaving New Zealand Private Nicholas was a momber of the No. 1 Company Field Engineers (Territorials), ' and also a brother, Ernest, who is at present in England. This brother left with the Twelfth Reinforcements, and his elder brother, Frederick, left with the Main Body. The latter was wounded at Gallipoli, and hassince returned. Another brother is under tho military age. Private Nicholas is. tho second son of Mr. and Mrs. R. Nicholas, 35 Berry Street, St. Albans.

The Minister of Defence (HVn. Sir James Allen) has sent the following telegram to Mr., Richard Nicholas, of Christchurch, congratulating luVi on tho fact that his son, Private Henry James Nicholas, lias been awarded the Victoria Cross:—"l am sure vmi must be very proud of him. I hope he will return to you safely, and long bo spared to wear his decoration." Private Nicholas is the fifth member of tho New Zealand Expeditionary Force who has been awarded the Victoria Cross. The others who have won the great honour are Bassefct, Frickleton, Donald Forrester Brown (deceased), and Andrew.