HEROIC NEW ZEALANDER.

Auckland Star, Volume XLIX, Issue 11, 12 January 1918, Page 5

HEROIC NEW ZEALANDER.

PRTVATE EL J. NICHOLAS, V.tJ. CAPTURES POINT D'APPUT SINGLEHANDED. INSPIRING EXAMPLE OF VALOUR. (Received 11' a.m.) LONDON, January 11. Eighteen Victoria Crosses have been' awarded, including one to Private Henry James Nicholas, a New Zealander, for conspicuous bravery and devotion to duty in attack. Private 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 the enemy at a strong point. Nicholas rushed forward alone, shot the officer in command of the strong point, and overcame the garrison of sixteen by means of bombs and his bayonet, capturing four wounded prisoners and a machine gun practically singlehanded, saving many casualties. Subsequently, when the advance reached its limit, Nicholas collected ammunition under heavy machine gun and rifle fire. His exceptional valour and coolness throughout the operations was an inspiring example to all.—(A. and N.Z. and Reuter.) A CHRLSTCHaTJRCH SOLDIER. <By Telegraph—rress Association.) WELLINGTON, this d!.y, I The only Henry James Nicholas in the Base Records is %,"'.. 24,213 Ist Battalion Canterbury Infantry, the son of Mr. R. ichNolas, Borrv Street, St. Albans, Christchurch. He is 2G years old, and vvas a carpenter before enlisting.