VICTORIA CROSS WINNER.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XL, Issue 1776, 15 January 1918, Page 3

VICTORIA CROSS WINNER.

PRIVATE H. J. NICHOLAS,

The announcement was made in The Post on Saturday that the Victoria Cross had been awarded to Ptc. Henry .James Nicholas, of Christchurch. The following: additional particulars are furnished in a message from Christchurch in regard to the latest member of the Now Zealand Expeditionary Forces lo win the distinction of a, V.C.: — Ptc. Nicholas, V.C., enlisted in the 13th Reinforcements, and had not been wounded or suffered illness in any way. He had been in the tiring line all the time. Prior to his enlistment lie was apprenticed to Mr Marlin, builder, St. Alltans. After serving his time, he went to Australia, where he followed his trade for about four years, and then returned to New Zealand. He was only here a few months in different purls of Canterbury when he enlisted. He is a native of Canterbury. Born at Lincoln, ho was educated at the Normal and East Christchurch schools. Nicholas was a good sportsman, boxing being particularly a branch iii which he specialised. When at Sling Camp in England he won the middleweight boxing championship of his regiment. He was well known in New Zealand its an amateur boxer. His trainer was Dick Mayle.

Before lon ring New Zen land Nicholas was a member of No. 1 Company, Field Engineers (Territorials). He has another brother, Ernest, who is at present in England. This brother left with the 12th Reinforcements, and his elder brother, Frederick, who left with the Main Body, was wounded at Gallipoli, and has returned. Another brother is under military age. Nicholas is the second son of Mr and Mrs R. Nicholas, 35 Berry Street, St. Albans.