N.Z. HERO

New Zealand Times, Volume XLIII, Issue 9868, 14 January 1918, Page 5

N.Z. HERO

WINS VICTORIA GROSS LEWIS GUNNER DISPLAYS EXCEPTIONAL VALOUR. By Tcleeraph—Press Association— Copyright Ans. and N.Z. Cable Assn, and Eeuter. LONDON, January 11. Eighteen Victorian Crosses have been awarded, including one to Private Henry James Nicholas, a Now Zealander, for conspicuous bravery and devotion to duty in an. attack. Private Nicholas belonged to a Lewis-gun section, which had been ordered to form a defensive flank to the right of the advance, which was subsequently checked by an enemy strong point- Private Nicholas rushed forward alone, shot the officer in command of the strong point, overcame tho garrison of sixteen by means of bombs and the bayonet, and captured four wounded prisoners and a machine-gun practically single-handed, time saving many casualties. Subsequently, when the advance bad reached its limit, Private Nicholas collected ammunition under heavy ma-chine-gun and rifle fire. His exceptional valour and coolness throughout the operations was an inspiring example to all. Private Nicholas is the fifth New Zealander to bo awarded the Victoria Cross in the present war. Tho previous four were:—Sergeant (now 2nd Lieutenant) Cyril It. G. Bassett, N.Z. Divisional Signal Company (the only member of tho Expeditionary Force to win tho Cross on Gallipoli); Corporal Leslie W. Andrew, Wellington Regiment ; Sergeant Donald F. Brown, Otago Regiment (killed in action, and. awarded the Cross posthumously); and! Lance-Corporal Samuel Frickiotony N.Z. Rifle Brigade. THE NICHOLAS FAMILY. Press Association. CHRISTCHURCH, January 13. A Private Nicholas. V.C., enJfstad in 1 , the 13th Reinforcements and had not| been wounded or suffered illness jn anyi way. He had been in the firing lino all' the time prior to his enlistment. He waa apprenticed to Mr Martin, bafidiJ er, St. Albans. After serving his time he want to Australia, where Tie followed his trade for about four years, an 4 then returned to New Zealand. JHa was only here a few months in differ-' ent parts of Canterbury when he eni listed. He is a native of Canterbury, Bom at Lincoln, he, was educated at the Normal and East Christjaurch schools. Nicholas was a good (sportsman, boxing being particularly a branch in which he specialised. When at Sling camp in England ho won_ tho middleweight boxing championship for his regiment. Ho was well known in New Zealand as an amateur boxer. His trainer was Dick Mayle. Before leaving New Zealand 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- brothels under military age. Nicholas is the second son of Mr and Mrs R. Nicholas, 35, Bony street, St. Albans. CONGRATULATIONS FROM THE MINISTER. The Minister for Defence (Sir James Allen) sent the following telegram on Saturday to Mr Richard Nicholas, of Christchurch, congratulating him on the fact that his, son. Private lienry James Nicholas, has boon awarded the Victoria Cross: —“I am sure yon must be very proud of him. ’ I hope he will return to you safely, and lung bo spared to wear his decoration.”-