14655346 Fusilier Norman NICHOLLS, MM, 2nd Bn. Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers

Discussion in 'British Army Units - Others' started by dbf, Jul 30, 2021.

  1. dbf

    dbf Moderatrix MOD

    Army Number: 14655346
    Rank: Fusilier
    Name: Norman NICHOLLS, MM
    Unit: 2 Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers


    London Gazette : 18 October 1945
    https://www.thegazette.co.uk/London/issue/37310/supplement/5101/data.pdf
    The King has been graciously pleased to approve the following awards in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in Italy: —
    The Military Medal.
    No. 14655346 Fusilier Norman NICHOLLS, The Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers (Spalding).
     
    Last edited: Aug 1, 2021
  2. dbf

    dbf Moderatrix MOD

    Last edited: Aug 1, 2021
  3. bexley84

    bexley84 Well-Known Member

    “At about 1500 hrs on the 17th April 1945, during the operations North West of ARGENTA, Fusilier Nicholls’ platoon was ordered to advance with the object of capturing an SP gun that was inflicting casualties on our tanks supporting the advance, and also to make contact with the Bttn on the right.

    When Nicholls’ platoon had advanced about 400 yards along the left hand side of the railway, they came under direct fire from an SP gun and tank firing armour piercing “shot”. The platoon had been advancing along a ditch beside the railway. Nicholls’ section was the leading section with the platoon commander at the head of it. One shell fired along the line of the ditch from immediately ahead, from the area of the house at 278626, badly wounded his platoon commander, and wounded four men behind. Nicholls, together with his section commander, and two others ran to a house 50 yards ahead. This movement was seen by the enemy, who immediately started to fire armour piercing “shot” into the house, and shells along the length of the ditch. The enemy continued to heavily shell the house, the area behind it and the ditch, compelling the remainder of the platoon to withdraw.

    Fusilier Nicholls helped to bandage one of his party in the house who had been hit, and then saw that his platoon commander was lying badly wounded in the open behind the house.

    Although the enemy were aware of the fact that our troops were in the house, and in the area behind it, and were continuously shelling the house and area heavily by direct observation, Fusilier Nicholls left the house by himself, and went back 50 yards to where his platoon commander was lying. Under heavy fire, Fusilier Nicholls, half dragged, half carried his platoon commander back to the house, and there rendered the first aid which was urgently required.

    Fusilier Nicholls, at a time when his platoon had suffered heavy casualties, including the commander, platoon sergeant, and two other NCOs, showed complete contempt for personal danger, and by his act, set a great example of courage and devotion to duty.”
     

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