The AIF Project

'In the operations against the enemy positions at MONT DE MERRIS near STRAZEELE on night 2nd/3rd June, 1918, Lance Corporal NICHOLS displayed conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. He was in charge of a Stokes gun which took part in the preliminary bombardment. The task allotted to his gun was of the utmost importance and required it to be fired at its fastest rate for a considerable period. This he not only succeeded in doing but observing that another Stokes gun near him was out of action he immediately sent two of his detachment to the disabled gun and had the remaining ammunition carried to his own gun. This he succeeded in firing off in addition to the rounds allotted to his own gun. Later during the action a shell burst in an ammunition recess in the vicinity of his gun where sixty (60) rounds of detonated Stokes shells were stored. One box of Stokes shells exploded and a fire was started. With great presence of mind Lance Corporal NICHOLS, regardless of his own safety, extinguished the fire and prevented a further explosion.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 23
Date: 12 February 1919