LOCAL VALOUR.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 12757, 29 September 1919, Page 3

LOCAL VALOUR.

MEMORIAL TO V.C. * A SUBURBAN PROJECT. To St Albans has fallen the hononr of having had resident there one who became a "V -C. hero and paid the last sacrifice—the late Sergeant H. J. Nicholas, V.C. On Saturday nigh< residents of St Albans met in St Matthew’s School room to consider a proposal to perpetuate his memory. It was in the great advance on the night of October 23, 191 S. that Sergeant Nicholas foil. Two days later ho was laid in the French cemetery at Bcandiqiiiies. when his battalion moved on, his body was exhumed and brought down to the village of Vertignenl, where he was hurierl with, full military honours. The special divisional routine order stated that Sergeant Nicholas had been, awarded the Victoria. Gross for most conspicuous bravery and devotion to duty in attack. Sergeant Nicholas, who was one of a Lewis gun section, had orders to form a defensive Jla.nk to the right of the advance, "which was subsequently checked by heavy ma-chine-gun and rifle fire front an enemy strong point. AVhereupon, followed by the remainder of his section at an interval of about twenty-five yards, Sergeant Nicholas rushed forward alone, shot the officer in command of the strong point, and overcame the remainder of the garrison of sixteen by means of bombs and bayonet, capturing four wounded prisoners and a ma-chine-gun. Ho captured the strong point practically single-handed, and thereby saved many casualties. Sub- , sequontly, - when the advance had reached- its limit, the hero collected ammunition under heavy machine-gun and rifle fire. His exceptional valour and coolness throughout the operations afforded an-umpiring example to all. The Rev A. H. Hare presided, and expressed regret that there were not more people present. He briefly explained the object for which the meeting had been called. He had received a telegram from Mr L. M. Isitt, M.P., statiiig that ho did not think he would Ski ° +l to t ttenfL The speaker then asked the Deputy-Mayor (Mr J. W Beanland) to speak. ' tr. G r ,r, l ? ea i n,and L l d ifc was an honour to Canterbury and St Albans to have had among them a man of Secant Nicholas s calibre. Mrs r j bought a plot in the JJroraley co uctmi they should S honour ‘ S' Nowman said he had the honour of accompanying Sergeant N icholas to Buckingham Palace SI \^r.v, C |' ei7ed i i Sera-eant Nicholas told him it was the prSit moment m ms life. The speE wS m hoptal with him, and helped him out of bed when he was met by Mr Massey and Sir Joseph Ward. ' See m-tri * ici °bis was an unassuming luiin. ** The next speaker, Mr G. E Billson said lie thought it was Ids dntv to be present to help to do sometitiug to perpetuate the memory* of one of the bravest men who ever lived. The speaker related many incidents in connection with Sergeant Nicholas white tie was on active service with him. A gloom was cast over the men when they kflli " S ° rgeanfc Nl chcla s had been • Willl;1 ; rT,B suggested that subscription lists should be opened in the newsiuqicrs of the city. He thought that if this were earned out, ample funds would be forthcoming to enable them to erect a monument, and probably to hand over a surplus to Mrs Nicholas. I hoy should not forget the hero's mother. Mr J. Hamlet supported Mr Williams s suggestion, and said he was willing to donate ten guineas. He also suggested that Mr Isiu. M.P., should bring the matter before the Government. Mr J. B. Strutliers said that a pen- - I .on M 10s a week had been given to -Mis Nicholas for a period of four vears. ilo considered that that was a poor recognition from the Government. ( • .Shame on them,” interjected a member of the audience.) Air Strutherß. continuing, said that if the Government did not feel ashamed, they ought to be made to fee) ashamed. ” After several others had spoken, Mr J. 11. Hobbs moved that those present should fonn themselves into a committee to invest!gats the case. Air H. Sweney seconded the motion, which was carried. A sub-committee, consisting of Messrs Struthera, Hamlet, Beanland, -Hobbs ana \v, b. Kiddp\', set up to arrange details. The meeting closed with votes of thanks to the chairman for ores id ing, and Messrs Newman, Billson and ncy.