I would like to express my thanks to the following for their help in collating information and photographs:
Mr and Mrs Richard Wyatt
Mr and Mrs Derek Mole
Mr Bill Whitham (now deceased)
The Curators of Towneley Hall, Burnley (especially Miss Susan Bourne)
Mr Julian Frisby
Peter and Carol Comlyn
Mrs Mollie Wright and Family
Major David Liddell MC
Mrs Jennie Anderson
LSgt Ian Tindall
Mr Tony Ormiston
Mrs Didi Graham and anyone else who I have missed!
Although various suggestions had been put forward about forming a Victoria Cross Association, it was not until after the Centenary Celebrations in 1956 that �uch an Association was finally founded. The 1956 Centenary gathered 299 VCs from all over the world, the focal point being a review of holders in Hyde Park by Her Majesty The Queen on 26th June.
With a large J?roportion of surviving holders meeting together in London over several days, there was discussion of forming a permanent Association, and Sir John Smyth Bt, VC, MC - at that time a Member of Parliament- agreed to be the founder Chairman.
A Committee was formed and aims were agreed:
(a) To establish a central focus and headquarters in London for Victoria Cross holders from all over the world, and to provide a centre where holders could meet and communicate.
(b) To cement the brotherhood of holders of the Victoria Cross throughout the Commonwealth and thereby, throuith their own unity and strength, make some contribution towards the maintenance of worfd peace.
(
c) To give such help aRd guidance to one another as might be possible from time to time.
The Royal Society of St George, which had done much to help the War Office in organising the Centenary, granted all VC holders Honorary Membership.
At the second Committee meeting it was decided to invite George Cross holders to become Associate Members; this was felt to be in accord with King George Vi's direction that the George Cross (awarded for gallantry when not in direct personal contact with the enemy) should be of equal standing with the Victoria Cross. It was also felt that future awards of the George Cross were likely to be rather more frequent than the Victoria Cross, since warfare on the scale of the last two world wars could not be visualised. In 1961 it was decided it would be more appropriate for GC holders to be full members, and the Association was re-named The Victoria Cross and George Cross Association.
Until 1980, when it was thought more appropriate to postpone the Reunion by a year in order to celebrate the Silver Jubilee in 1981, Reumons had taken place in the summer of alternate years since 1956. Subsequently Reunions have been held in 1983, 1986, 1988 and 1990. The 1990 Reunion celebrated the 50th anmversary of the institution of the George Cross.
In 1958 it was apparent that a number of holders could not afford to travel to London, so the then Minister of Defence (Mr Duncan Sandys) sought, and obtained, Government approval for travel warrants and subsistence to be given to those in the UK who would otherwise be unable to attend. Since 1968 the RAF have been able to make some adjustments in their flight schedules to enable overseas members and their relatives to travel to the UK at minimum expense, many of whdm would not otherwise have been able to attend. The Royal Canadian Air Force have made similar arrangements for Canadian members and their relatives. Some national and commercial airlines have also been most helpful, as have the Royal New Zealand Air Force.
In 1962, with funds drawn largely from the donati<fi!s of well-wishers, a VC and GC Benevolent Fund was formed and with this Fund the Association has been able to give a helping hand to members in need; more particularly the Association puts members in touch with organisations such as the Royal British Legion or individual Service or Regimental charities who are able to determine and meet their needs. The Association is aware that among holders of the George Cross, are those who have never served in the Armed Forces and therefore lack this help, having only the DSS to approach for assistance - fortunately though, a substantial donation was given several years ago to be.used primarily for George Cross holders which means the Association is able in some way to fulfil this requirement. On the death of a VC or GC holder a grant is given to the widow and further assistance is given thereafter if so required.
In October 1971 Her Majesty The Queen directed that all holders of the Albert Medal and the Edward Medal should be holders of the George Cross, and could exchange the insignia of those medals for the George Cross, if they so wished. The Association welcomed these ladies and gentlemen to their company and many attended the 1972 Reunion, giving an even greater and wholly delightful variety to the membership.
It is inevitable, with members scattered widely in Britain and overseas, that keeping in touch is difficult, but the Reunions, lasting a few days rather than compressed into one single event, give members the opportunity to make and maintain lasting friendships for the sharing of problems.as well as happiness into the future.
Over the years, Reunion events have included receptions given by Her Majesty The Queen and many members of the Royal Family have honoured various functions by their attendance; a Service
of Remembrance and Re-dedication and a Member's Reunion Dinner have become customary events and much appreciated.
Her Majesty The Queen graciously consented to be Patron of the Association in 1957, and Sir Wins�on Churchill became the first President in 1959. After SirWinston Churchill's death in 1965, Brigadier The R t Hon Sir John Smyth Bt, VC, MC was elected President a n d continued to hold the office of Chairman a s well until 1971 when Rear Admiral BC G Place VC, CB, CVO, DSC was elected t o t h e latter office. Colonel B ST Archer GC, OBE, ERD succeeded Admiral Place as Chairman in 1994. On the d e ath o f Sir J o h n Smr!h in 1 983 , Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth T h e Queen Mother graciously consented to be President of the Association and T h e Rt Hon T h e Viscount De L'Isle VC, KG, GCMG , GCVO became D e puty President until his death in 1991 when Sir R oden Cutler VC, AK, K CM G, KCVO, CBE succeeded him.
There are now 87 members of the Association, comprised of 34 holders of the Victoria Cross and 53 holders of the George Cross; 20 VC members and 14 GC members reside overseas.
March 1995. Reproduced by kind permission of the VC and GC Association.
The Victoria Cross was instituted by Royal Warrant on the command of Queen Victoria on 29th January 1856 to reward Officers and Men of the British Army and Navy who performed some signal act of valour or devotion to their Country in the presence of the enemy.
The award was not an Order, such as the Garter or the Bath, it offered no Knighthood or Companionage, bore no religious significance and contained no ranks within itself. It was intended solely as a decoration 'to be highly prized and eagerly sought after by the Officers and Men of our Naval and Military services.
Pensions were granted to all holders of the award below commissioned rank, and an expulsion clause allowed for a recipient's name to be erased from the official register in certain discreditable circumstances, and his pension cancelled, but in 1920 King George V expressed his views very forcibly stating 'that he felt so strongly that, no matter the crime committed by anyone on whom the Victoria Cross had been conferred, the decoration should not be forfeited.'
In 1902 Kini Edward Vll approved the clause of awarding it posthumously and in 1911 King George V admitted native Officers and men of the Indian Anny to eligibility and in 1920 it was further extended to include RAF and "matrons, sisters, nurses ... serving regularly or temporarily under the orders, direction or supervision" of the military authorities.
The design of the Victoria Cross chosen by Queen Victoria is in the form of the Maltese Cross ensi&fled with the Royal Crest and a scroll simply inscribed "For Valour". It is connected by a V shaped link to a bar engraved on the face with laurel leaves, and having a space on the reverse for the recipient's name and Regiment or Ship. The date of the deed for which the honour is bestowed is engraved on the back of the Cross itself. It is worn on the left breast suspended from a one and a half inch wide crimson ribbon - originally the Victoria Cross ribbon was blue for the Navy and dark red for the Army, but since 1920 it has been a Crimson shade for all services. The actual Cross is made of bronze and is cast from metal melted down from the cannons captured at Sevastapol in the Crimean War.
Although the Royal Warrant instituting the Victoria Cross was not issued until January 1856, the earliest deed of valour to win the award was performed on 21st June 1854.
On the morning of 26th June 1857, 62 men (four of them Coldstreamers) who had been 'gazetted' ie their names and deeds had been cited in the London Gazette, were present in Hyde Park, London when Queen Victoria held her first Investiture Ceremony for the newly instituted decoration. In keeping with the democratic spirit of the award all recipients stood shoulder to shoulder, regardless ofrank.
13 Members of the Regiment have been awarded the Victoria Cross. They are as follows:
Crimea
W STANLAKE
JA CONOLLY
GL GOODLAKE
G STRONG
First World War
G HWYATT
FW DOBSON
OBROOKS
JV CAMPBELL
TWHITHAM
CH FRISBY
TN JACKSON
Second World War
PH WRIGHT
IO LIDDELL
*William Stanlake VC DCM sometimes known as STANLACK or ST ANLOCK
William Stanlake was born 1830 al Uppacol Farm, Halwill, Devon son of John and Mary Stanlake. The exact date of his birth is not known but he was baptised at Halwill Parish Church on 31st October 1830.
He enlisted into the Regiment on 29th July 1852 at Totnes, Devon and was discharged on 28th January 1863. During his service he received no promotion. He died at Camberwell, London aged 73 on 24th April 1904 and was buried in a common grave in Camberwell Old Cemetery, London. On 26th September 1987, The London Branch of The Coldstream Guards Association held a Service of Thanksgiving at his graveside and dedicated a headstone on his grave . He served throughout the Crimean War including the Battles of Alma, Inkerman, Balaklava, the Siege and Fall of Sevastapol and took part in repulsing a Russian attack at Careenage Ridge on 26th October 1854. He was awarded the Victoria Cross for his actions during October 1854, whilst serving under the command of Captain G L Goodlake, Coldstream Guards, as one of the Sharpshooters, a unit of men who had volunteered to serve as Sharpshooters after an appeal (First Divisional Order dated 16th October 1854) to form a Sharpshooter Squad from the 3 Guards Regiments. His Citation which appeared in the London Gazette dated 24th February 1857 reads:
For having volunteered, when employed as one of the sharpshooters in October 1854, for reconnoitring purposes, to crawl within six yards of a Russian sentry, and so enabled the Officer in command to effect a surprise; Private Stanlock having been warned beforehand of the imminent risk which he would run in the adventure.
He was personally decorated by Her Majesty Queen Victoria at an open air Investiture in Hyde Park, London on 26th June 1857. This was the first ceremony at which the Victoria Cross was awarded.
In addition to the Victoria Cross, William Stanlake was also in possession of the following medals:
The Crimean Medal with four clasps, the Turkish Medal of the Crimean War 1854-55 and the Medal for Distinguished Conduct in the Field (now the Distinguished Conduct Medal- DCM). His medals were sold for £61·00 in London by Messrs Debenham and Storrs of King Street, Covent Garden in December 1897 and are now in possession of the Regiment and form part of the Regimental Medal Collection. There is no record of who bought the medals or who presented them to the Regiment.
NB. *There are various spellings of his surname which suggests that he may have been illiterate. ie. Spelling on his Baptism and Death Certificate -STANLAKE
Spelling on his Attestation Papers -STANLACK
Spelling in the London Gazette for citation of award -STANLOCK
John Augustus Conolly VC
JohnAu gustusConollywas born on 30th November 1829 at Castletown, C elbr idge, Southern Ireland, son of Edward Michael and Catherine Jane Conolly.
H e was commisioned into the 49th Regiment of Foot (The Princess Charlotte of Wales's) (or theHertfordshire) which later became The Duke of Edinburgh's Royal Regiment (Berkshire and Wiltshire) (49, 62, 66 and 99) now known as the Royal Gloucestershire Berkshire and Wiltshire Regiment (RGBW) on 25th February 1848 transferrin g into the Coldstream Guards (see Citation) on 19th January 1855. During his career he received the following promotions - Lieutenant (on purchase) 26th April 1850, Captain (on purchase) 22nd December 1854, Lieutenant and Captain (on purchase) 19th January 1855, Brevet Major 17th July 1855, Brevet Lieutenant Colonel (in the Army) 8th June 1863, Captain and Lieutenant Colonel, on purchase, (in the Regiment) 11th August 1863. He retired as a Lieutenant Colonel on 15th March 1870 and became Sub Commissioner of the Dublin Metropolitan Police and later Resident Magistrate for the Curragh of Kildare. H e died on 23rd December 1888 at the Magistrates House, Curragh, Co Kildare, Southern Ireland and is buried in Mount Gerome Cemetery, Dublin.
He served in t he Crimean War, and was present at the Battle o f Alma and t h e sie$e of Sevastapol and was awarded the Victoria Cross on its institution for his action in repulsing a Russian attack (during which he was shot through the chest and was dangerously ill) at Shell Hill on 26th October 1854.
H e won the decoration whilst serving in the 49th Re �iment but the award was gazetted after he had been promoted into the Coldstream Guards. The Citation which was published in the London Gazette dated 5th May 1857 reads:
In the attack by the Russians against the position held by the Second Division, 26th October 1854, Major Conolly, then a Lieutenant in the 49th Regiment, while in command of a company of that Regiment, on outlying picket, made himself most conspicuous by the gallantry of his behaviour.He came particularly under the observation of the late Field Marshal Lord Raglan, while in personal encounter with several Russians, in defence of his post. He ultimately fell, dangerously wounded. Lieutenant Conolly was highly praised in General Orders, and promoted to the Coldstream Guards, as a reward for his exemplary behaviour on this occasion.
Brevet Major Conolly was personally decorated by Her Majesty Queen Victoria at the first Investiture of The Victoria Cross held inHyde Park, London on 26th June 1857.
In addition to the Victoria Cross he was also in l?Ossession of the Crimean Medal with two clasps, The Order of the Mejidie, 5th Class (Turkish), the Turkish Medal for the Crimean War 1854-55 and the Sardinian Medal for Valor. He was also Mentioned in Despatches. His Medals were presented (on loan) to the Regiment by his Great-Grandson, John Abel-Smith Esq (formerly Grenadier Guards) on 9thAugust 1988, in memory of his brother-in-law Lieutenant Colonel DH A Lewey, and now form part of the Regimental Medal Collection.
Gerald Littlehales Goodlake was born on 14th May 1832 at Wadley, near Faringdon, Berkshire, son of Mr and Mrs T Goodlake.
He was commissioned into the 21st Regiment of Foot (The Royal North British Fusiliers) now and Royal Highland Fusiliers (Princess Margaret's Own Glasgow and Ayrshire Regiment) (21, 71 and 74) on 14th June 1850 exchanging, on purchase, into the Coldstream Guards in the rank of Lieutenant on 27th June 1851. He was promoted Lieutenant and Captain (on purchase) on 14th June 1854, Brevet-Major on 14th June 1856. Captain and Lieutenant Colonel (on purchase) on 29th November 1859. On 30th April 1869 he was promoted Brevet Colonel and appointed Aide de Camp to Her Majesty Queen Victoria, an appointment which he held until 10th August 1879. On 14th August 1872 he was promoted (without purchase) Regimental Major. He was placed on half pay on 7th August 1875. On 11th August 1879 he was promoted Major General and appointed
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Major General to the Land Forces. He retired from the Army on 1st July 1881 and was granted the Honorary rank of Lieutenant General.
Lieutenant General Goodlake died at The Fishery, Denham, near Uxbridge, Middlesex on 5th April 1890 aged 57 and is buried in the graveyard at St Mary the Virgin, Harefield Parish Church, Harefield, Middlesex.
He served throughout the Crimean Campaign 1854-56 including the battles of Alma, Inkerman, Balaklava, Tchernaya and the Siege and Fall of Sevastapol. He voluntered to serve with the Sharpshooters of the Brigade of Guards, which had been formed after an appeal for volunteers to form a Sharpshooter Squad from the 3 Guards Regiments (First Divisional Order dated 16th October 1854). He commanded the Sharpshooters (which included William Stanlake VC) for 42 days and took part in repulsing an advance by the Russians at Careenage Ravine on 26th October 1854, this was one of the acts of gallantry performed by Captain Goodlake during the war, for which he was later awarded the Victoria Cross. For his exploits whilst in command of the Sharpshooters he was highly praised in General Orders and was made a Kni�ht of the Legion of Honour. He was awarded the Victoria Cross on its institution for his actions whtlst commandmg the Sharpshooters at Windmill Ravine on 28th October 1854. He served on the Quartermastu Generals Staff from February 1855 until June 1856.
Published in the London Gazette dated 24th February 1857, his citation reads:
For distinguished gallantry whilst in command of the sharpshooters furnished by the Coldstream Guards,on 28th October 1854, on the occasion of "the powerful sortie on the 2nd Division," when he held the Windmill Ravine, below Picquet House, against a much larger force of the enemy. The party of sharpshooters under his command killed thirty eight (one an officer) and took three prisoners of the enemy, (of the latter, one an officer) Major Goodlake being the sole Officer in command.
Also, for distinguished gallantry on the occasion of the surprise of a picquet of the enemy, in November, at the bottorq-of the Windmill Ravine, by the sharpshooters, under his sole leading and command, when the knapsacks and rifles of the enemy's party fell into his hands. He was personally decorated with his Victoria Cross by Her Majesty Queen Victoria on 26th June 1857 in Hyde Park London, at the first Investiture of the award after its institution.
In addition to his Victoria Cross he was also in possession of the following medals: Crimean Medal with Four clasps, Knight (5th Class) of the Legion of Honour (French), The Order of the Mejidie 5th Class (Turkish) and the Turkish Medal for the Crimean War 1854-55. He was also twice Mentioned in Despatches.
His medals now form part of the Regimental Medal Collection. (The Victoria Cross is a replica which was made in Paris, France after General Goodlake had lost his original).
George Strong was born in the Parish of Odcombe, near Yeovil, Somerset the son of Job and Mary Strong. The exact date of his birth is not known but according to the Baptism Register of the Parish of Odcombe for that period he was baptised in the Parish Church on 7th April 1833. *
He enlisted into the Regiment on 27th November 1854 at Plymouth, Devon aged 19* and was discharged on 29th November 1864, having received n o promotion whatsoever durini his service. He died at Sherston Magna, Somerset on 20th August 1888 aged 52* and is buried m the Parish Churchyard. The Bath Branch of the Coldstream Guards Association held a Service of Thanksgiving at his graveside and dedicated a Headstone on his grave on 10th May 1986, after one of the Church Wardens found an inscription on a headstone of a member of the Strong Family whilst cutting the grass, saying that, "George Strong VC is buried nearby."
He was present atSevastapol during the Crimean War and was awarded the Victoria Cross f or his action during the Trench Operations between 25th-30thSeptember 1855. His citation published in the London Gazette dated 24th February 1857 reads:
For having, when on duty in the trenches in the month of September 1855, removed a live shell from the place where it had fallen.
In addition to the Victoria Cross, George Strong was also in possession of the Crimean Medal with 1 clasp (Sevastapol), and the Turkish Medal for the Crimean War 1854-55.
He was personally dec;orated by Her Majesty Queen Victoria in Hyde Park, London on 26th June 1857 at the first Investiture of the Victoria Cross.
His medals were sold for £71 ·00 by Messrs Puttick andSimpsons in London on 17th April 1907, and were bought by Lt E G Christie-Miller, an officer in the Coldstream Guards who gave them to the Regiment where they now form part of the Regimental Medal Collection.
NB. *His Attestation Papers state that George Stron� enlisted in November 1854 at the age of 19, which would make him born in 1835. His Death Certificate states he was aged 52 when he died in August 1888, so it will be seen that the age on his Death Certificate coincides with the age given on his Attestation Papers, not with the date of Baptism although there is sufficient proof, the entry in the Parish Baptism Record dated 7th April 1833, to show that he was in fact 21 years old on enlistment and 54 years old when he died.
George Harry Wyatt was born on 5th September 1886 in Brittania Road, Whistones, Worcester, son of Arthur Digby and Sarah Ann Wyatt.
He enlisted into the Regiment on 23rd November 1904 at Birmingham and was discharged on 23rd November 1908 after having served with the 2nd and 3rd Battalions at home and in Egypt. On 9th January 1909 h e joined the Barnsley Borough Police Force, where he served until he transferred to the Doncaster Borough Police Force on 19th May 1914. He was recalled to Military Service o n Mobilisation on 5th August 1914 and was posted to the 3rd Battalion who were about to embark to France as part of the British Expeditionary Force on 14th August 1914. He was promoted LCpl on 18th December 1914 and LSgt on 28th February 1917. He was finally discharged m the rank of LSgt o n 14th January 1919, returning to Police duty in Doncaster. He retired from the Yorkshire Police Force on 10th February 1934. He died on 22nd January 1964 aged 7 7 at Sprotborough, near Doncaster and is buried in Cadeby Cemetery, Sprotborough, near Doncaster, Yorkshire.
H e served throughout the First World War and was awarded the Victoria Cross for his actions at Landrecies, France on the night of 25126th August 1914. His Citation which was published in the London Gazette dated 18th November 1915 reads:
For most conspicuous bravery and devotion to duty.
At Landrecies, on the night of the 25th-26th August 1914, when a part of his battalion was hotly engaged at the end of a street close to some farm buildings, the enemy, by means of incendiary bombs, set light to some straw stacks in the farmyard. Lance Corporal Wyatt twice dashed out of the line under heavy fire from the enemy, who were only 25 yards distant, and extinguished the burning straw. If the fire had spread it would have been impossible to have held our position.
Also at Villa Cotteret, after being wounded in the head, Lance Corporal Wyatt continued firing until he could no longer see owing to the blood which was pouring down his face. The Medical Officer bound up his wound and told him to go to the rear, but he at once returned to the firing line and continued to fi$ht.
He was decorated by Kmg George Vat Buckingham Palace on 4th March 1916.
In addition to the Victoria Cross George Harry Wyatt was also in possession of the following medals:
1914 Star, British War Medal 1914-20, Victory Medal 1914-19 with Oak Leaf (Mentioned in Despatches) and the Cross of the Order of St George 3rd Class (No 16667).
His medals are now in possession of his Family, although he lost his original Russian Cross on a Remembrance Parade in London. In August 1988 a replica of the Russian award was given to his Family by the Regiment.
Frederick William (Billy) Dobson was born on 9th November 1886, son of Thomas and ElizabethDobson at Ovingham, Northumberland.
He joined the Regiment at Newcastle on 7th July 1906 and was discharged on expiration o f his service on 7th July 1909. He was mobilised on 6th August 1914 and posted to the 2nd Battalion on 14th August 1914 and went with them to France as part of the British Expeditionary Force. He was promoted LCpl on 28th November 1914 and was discharged in that rank on 1st July 1917- "No longer physically fit for War Service." On dischar (le he found employment as a Cinema Commissionaire but was in constant pain from his iniuries received during the war and spent months at a time in hospital. He died in Newcastle General Hospital on 13th November 1935 aged 49 and was buried with Full Military Honours at Ryton Cemetery, Gateshead, Tyne andWear. The Newcastle Branch of the Coldstream Guards Association held a Service of Thanksgiving at his graveside and dedicated a headstone on his grave on 15th March 1986. He was awarded the Victoria Cross for his actions at Chavonne, France on 28th September 1914. His citation which appeared in the London Gazette dated 8th December 1914 reads:
For conspicuous gallantry at Chavonne (Aisne) on the 28th September 1914, in bringing into cover on two occasions, under heavy fire, wounded men who were lying exposed in the open. He was decorated by King George Va t Buckingham Palace on 3rd February 1915.
In addition to the Victoria Cross he was also in possession of the following Medals: 1914 Star, British War Medal 1914-20, Victory Medal 1914-19 with Oak leaf (Mentioned in Despatches) and the Cross of the Order of St George, 4th Class (No 127163).
Three of his Medals, the Victoria Cross, 1914 Star and the Cross of the Order of St George were found in a Newcastle Pawnbrokers Shop in 1936 and in accordance with the Dobson FamilyWishes were returned to the Regiment where they form part of the Regimental Medal Collect10n. The other two medals (the British War Medal and the Victory Medal) could not be traced, but in August 1988, Mrs Florence Dobson, wife of his eldest son who died in May 1988 wrote to Regimental Headquarters and said that she had two of her fatherain-laws medals and she would like the Regiment to have them. She �aid her late husband was always saying that he wanted to give the two medals to the Regiment to complete the set but never got round to it. The complete set now form part of the Regimental Medal Collection.
Oliver Brooks was born in Paulton, near Midsomer Norton, Somerset on 31st May 1889, son of Joseph and Mary Brooks.
He enlisted into the Regiment at Bath on 17th April 1906 transferring to the Reserve on 17th April 1913. He was mobilised on 7th August 1914 and went to France with the 3rdBattalion as part of the British Expeditionary Force. He was promoted LCpl on 25th November 1914, LSgt on 12th July 1915 and Sergeant on 9th October 1915, the day after his exemplary actions for which he was later awarded the Victoria Cross. He was discharged on 27th February 1919 and for many years after was a Hotel Commissionaire at the Dorchester Hotel in Park Lane, London and at the White Hart Hotel in Windsor. He died at his home in Windsor on 25th October 1940 and is buried in Windsor Borough Cemetery, Windsor, Berkshire. On the 8th October 1987, The Windsor Branch of the Coldstream Guards Association (of which Oliver Brooks was an inaugural member) held a Service of Thanksgivin$ at his graveside and dedicated a headstone on his grave. The Branch also dedicated a Plaque in his Memory in the Holy Trinity Church (The Garrison Church), Windsor on 24th April 1988.
He was awarded theVictoria Cross for his actions on 8th October 1915 near Loos, France. The Citation which appeared in the London Gazette dated 28th October 1915 reads:
SIXTEEN
For most conspicuous bravery near Loos, on 8th October 1915.
A strong party of the enemy having captured 200 yards of our trenches, Lance Sergeant Brooks, on his own initiative, led a party of bombers in the most determined manner, and succeeded in regaining possession of the lost ground
The signal bravery displayed by this non-commissioned Officer, in the midst of a hail of bombs from the Gennans, was of the very first order, and the complete success attained in a very dangerous undertaking was entirely due to his absolute fearlessness, presence of mind, and promptitude.
He was decorated with the Victoria Cross by His Majesty King George V in a Hospital Train at Aire, France on 1st November 1915. The King, at that time was lying helpless in bed as result of a fall from his horse whilst visiting the troops, but he expressed his personal wish to present the Victoria Cross to Sgt Brooks himself, so Oliver Brooks was taken to the King's bedside in the train to be presented with his award.
In addition to the Victoria Cross, S�t Brooks was in possession of 1914 Star,British War Medal 1914-20, Victory Medal 1914-19 and King George VI's Coronation Medal 1937. His Medals were presented to the Regiment by his widow Mrs M Brooks on 9th August 1967 and now form part of the Regimental Medal Collection.
John Vaughan Campbell was born in London on 31st October 1876, son of the "Hon Ronald and Catherine Campbell, and Grandson of the 2nd Earl Cawdor. ("The Hon Ronald Campbell also held a commission in the Regiment and served with distinction in the Zulu War. Had the Victoria Cross then been awarded posthumously, he would also certainly have won it in 1879, as did his three surviving compatriots, if he had not been killed whilst committing his act of bravery. Unfortunately posthumous awards were not awarded in those days).
He was commissioned into the Coldstream Guards on 5th September 1896 and during his service received the following promotions - Lieutenant 6th April 1898, Captain 27th June 1903, Major 21st June 1913, Temp Lieutenant Colonel 29th July 1915, Brevet Lieutenant Colonel 1st January 1916, Lieutenant Colonel 29th November 1917. He commanded 137 Brigade as a Temp Brigadier General from November 1916-1918, then on 5th June 1919 was given the Brevet rank of Colonel and appointed Aide de Camp to His Majesty King George V. He was promoted Colonel on 30th June 1920. He was appointed Regimental Lieutenant Colonel Commanding the Coldstream Guards on 14th October 1923 and relinquished the appointment on 15th February 1927. He retired on 31st October 1933 and was granted the Honorary Rank of Brigadier General. He was a member of the Hon Corps of Gentleman at Arms from 1934-44. From August 1939 until February 1940 he served as a Hon Flight Lieutenant in the RAF Volunteer Reserve. He then commanded the 8th Battalion Gloucestershire Home Guard until his death. He was well known as
EIGHTEEN
a Huntsman and was Master of the Tanat Side Harriers. H e died at Woodchester in Gloucestershire aged 67 on 22nd May 1944 and was cremated at Cheltenham Crematorium. His ashes were taken to Scotland and scattered into the River Findhorn off the Banchor Brid�e, Drynechan, Scotland (on the Cawdor Estate). A Plaque in his Memory is in the Cawdor Pansh Church. He also had a home near Oswestry, Shropshire.
He served with distinction durin� the South African Campaign and was created a Companion of the Distinguished Service Order m 1901 in recognition of his services in South Africa. H e was twice Mentioned in Despatches during the campaign and he received the Queens South African Medal 1899-1902 with 6 clasps and the Kings South African Medal 1901-02 with two clasps. He also served throughout World War 1 and was awarded the Victoria Cross for his actions whilst commanding the 3rd Battalion Coldstream Guards at Ginchy during the Battle of the Somme on 15th September 1916, rallying his men with his Hunting Horn and leading them into an attack against the enemy. H e was also Mentioned in Despatches 3 times during the war. His citation, published in the London Gazette dated 26th October 1916 r_!:ads:
John
For most conspicuous bravery and able leading in an attack.
Seeing that the first waves of his battalion had been decimated by machine gun and rifle fire he took personal command of the third line, rallied his men with the utmost gallantry, and led them against the enemy machine guns, capturing the guns and killing the personnel.
Later in the day, after consultation with other unit commanders, he again rallied the survivors of this battalion, and at a critical moment led them through a very hostile fire barrage against the objective. He was one of the first to enter the enemy trench.
His personal gallantry and initiative at a very critical moment turned the fortunes of the day and enabled the division to press on and capture objectives of the highest tactical importance. He was decorated with his Victoria Cross at Buckingham Palace by His Majesty King George Von 14th November 1916.
On 1st January 1918 he was created a Commander of the Most Distinguished Order of St Michael (CMG).
His full list of Medals and Decorations are as follows:
Victoria Cross, CMG, DSO, Queens South African Medal 1899-1902 with 6 clasps, Kings South African Medal 1901-02 with two clasps (Mentioned in Despatches twice), 1914-1 5 Star, British War Medal 1914-20, Victory Medal 1914-19 with Oak Leaf (Three times Mentioned in Despatches), King George V's Coronation Medal 1911, King George V's Silver Jubilee Medal, King George Vi's Coronation Medal, Legion of Honour, 2nd Class (French) 1919 and the Croix de Guerre with Palm (French), 1919.
His Victoria Cross was bequeathed to the Re�iment on the death of his 2nd wife, Mrs M E R Campbell on 11th November 1985 (his 1st wife died 1927) and his other Medals are loaned to the Regiment by his Family where they now form part of the Regimental Medal Collection. Brigadier General Campbell presented the Hunting Horn which he used to rally his men at the Battle of Somme to the Regiment and that is also on display at Regimental Headquarters.
Cremated at Cheltenham Crematorium (Ashes taken privately-scattered into the River Findhorn, off Banchor Bridge, Drynechan, Scotland. (on Cawdor Estate). Memorial Plaque in Cawdor Parish Church.
Thomas Whitham was born in the village of Worsthorne, near Burnley, Lancashire on 11th May 1888, son of John and Catherine Whitham.
He enlisted into the Regiment on 25th January 1915 and was discharged on 7th March 1919. During his service he served at home with the 5th Battalion from 26th January until 25th October 1915. He was then posted to the 1st Battalion who were serving as part of the British Expeditionary Force in France on 26th October 1915 and remained with them until 29th October 1917 when he was posted back to the 5th Battalion in England where he served until being demobilised on 7th March 1919. He was promoted and appointed Unpaid LCpl on 30th September 1918. On discharge he worked as a bricklayer, but work was hard to come by and he had to pawn his Victoria Cross, his Campaign medals and the gifts he received from his town in recognition of his heroism. In 1924 whilst searching for work in Cumberland he had an accident on his bicycle and received severe head injuries and lost his memory. His wife reported him missing. When he recovered he obtained employment at Gatley near Manchester and wrote to his wife and six children who at the time were
living with her Father in Burnley. He then lost contact with them again and in a state of poverty Thomas Whitham died in the Royal Infirmary Oldham on 22nd October 1924 aged 36. He was buried with full Military Honours in the Inghamite Burial Ground, Wheatley Laite, Nelson, Lancashire and thousands of people lined the streets as the Funeral Cortege went past.
On 16th March 1952, the Regiment and North East Lancashire Branch of the Coldstream Guards Association held a Service of Thanksgiving at his graveside and dedicated a Headstone on his grave. In April 1988 the Regiment had the headstone and surround restored to its original state. He was awarded the Victoria Cross for his actions on 31st July 1917 near Pilkem (Ypres), Belgium during the Battle of Passchendaele.
His citation published in the London Gazette dated 6th September 1917, with his name incorrectly spelt as Witham, reads:
For most conspicuous bravery when, during an attack, an enemy machine gun was seen to be enfilading the battalion on the right. Private Witham, on his own initiative, immediately worked his way from shell hole to shell hole through our own barrage, rushed the machine gun and, although under a very heavy fire, captured it, together with an officer and two other ranks. The bold action on the part of Private Witham was of great assistance to the battalion on the right, and undoubtedly saved many lives and enabled the whole line to advance.
An amendment f or the incorrect spelling of his name was published in the London Gazette dated 26th September 1917 reads:
No 15067 Private Thomas Whitham VC Coldstream Guards, is now correctly described. The surname was incorrectly published in Gazette of 6th instant (award Victoria Cross).
He received his Victoria Cross from King George V at Buckingham Palace on 19th October 1917.
In addition to the Victoria Cross Thomas Whitham was also in possession of the 1914-15 Star, British War Medal 1914-20 and the Victory Medal 1914-19.
His medals* and some of the presents he received to commemorate his winning of the Victoria Cross are now in possession of the Burnley Borough Council and are kept at Towneley Hall Art Gallery and Museums, Burnley, Lancashire, where there is also a portrait of him, painted by Ivan Cooke on display. In 1931 Burnley Borouih Council learned that the Victoria Cross and gold watch (which had been presented by them to him) had been in pawn for a number of years and was to be offered at public auction. They paid £50·00 to Fitzpatrick's Pawnbroker Shop in Abel Street, Burnley presumably for both the Medal and the watch. They were offered to Whitham's Family (Mr Whitham, the son, was to refund the £50·00 and to undertake not to part with the articles except to his family, the Borough of Burnley Corporation, or as regards to the Victoria Cross, if he so preferred, to the Museum of the Coldstream Guards), but as they are still in Towneley Hall that undertaking was obviously not accepted.
NB*. Only the Victoria Cross and the Allied Victory Medal (less Ribbon) are at Towneley Hall. The others are presumed lost. The Regiment have replaced the lost medals with rephcas to complete the collection. IN
Cyril Hubert Frisby was born at Barnet, Hertfordshire on 17th September 1885, son of Henry and Zoe Pauline Frisby.
He enlisted as a Private into the Royal Hampshire Regiment on 26th October 1916. He then went to No 5 Officer Cadet Battalion at Cambridge in December 1916 and was granted a commission in the Coldstream Guards on 28th March 1917 and posted to the Reserve Battalion. On 27th November 1917 he was posted to the 1st Battalion who were serving with the British Expeditionary Forces in France.
He was promoted Actin!l Captain on 20th February 1918 and Substantive Lieutenant on 28th September 1918. He relinquished his rank of acting Captain on 7th March 1919. On 20th April 1920 he resigned his commission and was granted the Honorary rank of Captain. He was a member of
the London Stock Exchange and his interests included Golf and Rugby Football (for whom he represented Surrey). He died on 10th September 1961 aged 75 at Guildford, Surrey and is buried at Brookwood Cemetery, Surrey.
He was awarded the Victoria Cross for his actions on 27th September 1918 at Canal du Nord, near Graincourt, France. His Citation published in the London Gazette dated 27thNovember 1918 reads:
For most conspicuous bravery, leadership, and devotion to duty in action on the 27th September 1918, across the Canal Du Nord, near Graincourt, when in command of a company detailed to capture the Canal crossing, on the Demicourt-Graincourt road. On reaching the Canal the leading platoon came under annihilating machine gunfire from a strong machine gun post under the old iron bridge on the far side of the Canal, and was unable to advance, despite reinforcing waves. Captain Frisby realised at once that unless this post was captured the whole advance in this area would fail. Calling for volunteers to follow him, he dashed forward, and, with three other ranks, he climbed down into the Canal under intense point-black machine gun fire and succeeded in capturing the post with two machine guns and twelve men. By his personal valour and initiative he restored the situation and enabled the attacking compames to continue the advance.
Havmg reached and consolidated his objective, he gave timely support to the company on his right, which had lost all its officers and sergeants, organised its defences, and beat off a heavy hostile counter attack.
He was wounded in the leg by a bayonet in the attack on the machine gun post, but remained at duty throughout, thereby setting a splendid example to all ranks.
He was decorated with his Victoria Cross b yHis Majesty King George V a t Buckingham Palace on 2 9th March 1919.
In addition to the Victoria Cross h e was also in possession of the following medals: British W a r Medal 1914-20, Victory Medal 1914-19 with Oak lear, Defence Medal 1939-45, King George Vl's Coronation Medal and Queen Elizabeth H's Coronation Medal. His medals were loaned to the Regiment by his son, Mr Julian Frisby on 4t h June 1986 and now form part o f the Regimental Medal Collection.
NB. •Toe Oak Leaf represents a Mention in Despatches-although there is no record of the award in any of his documents at RegimentalHeadquarters, The Army Records Centre inHayes or at the Army Medals Office in Droitwich.
Thomas Norman Jackson was born on 11th February 1897 at Swinton, Yorkshire, son of Thomas Edwin and Emma Jackson. For a time bef ore enlistment he was employed by Messrs Ward and Sons (Mineral Water Manufacturers) and later was a cleaner at the Great Central Railway Locomotive Depot at Mexborough.
He enlisted into the Regiment on 22nd November 1915 at Mexborough and joined the 1st Battalion who were serving as part of the British Expeditionary Forces in France.He was promoted Acting Lance Corporal on 11th June 1918 and was unf ortunately killed in action on 27th September 1918 at the Canal du Nord, near Graincourt, France and was subsequently awarded a posthumous Victoria Cross for his actions. He is buried in Sanders Keep Military Cemetery, Graincourt-Les-Havrincourt, France.
His Citation which appeared in the London Gazette dated 27th November 1918 reads:
For most conspicuous bravery and self sacrifice in the attack across the Canal du Nord, near Graincourt.
On the mornin� of the 27th September 1918, LCpl Jackson was the first to volunteer to follow Captain CH Fnsby, Coldstream Guards, across the Canal du Nord in his rush against an enemy machine gu n post. With two comrades he followed his officer across the Canal, rushed the post, captured the two machine guns, and so enabled the companies to advance. Later in the morning, LCpl Jackson was the first t o jump into a German trench which his platoon had to clear, and after doing further excellent work he was unf ortunately killed.
Throughout the whole day until he was killed this young non-commissioned Officer showed the greatest valour and devotion to duty, and set an inspiring example to all.
His Victoria Cross was presented to his parents by His Majesty King George Vat Buckingham Palace on 29th March 1919.
Besides the Victoria Cross his medals included the British War Medal 1914-20 and Victory Medal 1914-19.
His Medals were presented to the Regiment by his brother, Mr Bernard Jackson on 12th June 1969 and they now fonn part of the Regimental Medal Collection.
A portrait of LCpl Jackson, which was commissioned by the Swinton Special Constables and painted by J H Bentley in 1919, now hangs in the Swinton Library, Station Street, Swinton, Mexborough, Yorkshire. It was unveiled by Captain CH Frisby VC on 30th July 1919.
Peter Harold Wright was born at Mettingham near Bungay, Suffolk on 10th August 1916, son of James Gordon and Florence Helen Wright. He enlisted into the Coldstream Guards at Norwich on 7th October 1936 and was posted to the Guards Depot at Caterham. In April 1937 he was posted to the 3rd Battalion and served with them in Egypt from 23rd November 1937 until 13th October 1938, and then in Palestine from 14th October 1938 until 12th April 1939 when the Battalion returned to Egypt and stayed there until 2nd September 1939. He remained with the 3rd Battalion on the outbreak of World War II and served with them as part of the Middle East Force from 3rd September 1939 until 9th September 1943 and then as part of the Central Mediterranean Force from 10th September 1943 until 5th January 1944 when he was posted to the Training Battalion in England, where his duties included guarding the Prime Ministers Residence at Chequers. He was discharged to the Regular Reserve on 30th March 1946, retumin!1 to farming in Suffolk. He died on 5th April, 1990, aged 73, in the Anglesea Road Hospital, Ipswich, and is buried in the Churchyard at All Saints Church, Ashbocking, Suffolk. During his service he received the following promotions-Acting LCpl 7th August 1937, War Substantive LCpl 29th September 1938, Acting LSgt 1st September 1939, War Substantive LSgt 1st
December 1939, Acting Sgt 4th August 1941, War Substantive Sgt 21st January 1942, Acting CSgt (CQMS) 7th September 1942, War Substantive CSgt (CQMS) 6th June 1943, Acting WO2 (Company Sergeant Major) 19th April 1943, War Substantive WO2 23rd August 1944.
He was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal (DCM) for his actions on Hill 270, the Pagliarolli feature, a steep wooded hill near Salerno, Italy and was decorated with the award at Buckingham Palace by His Majesty King George VI on 6th June 1944. This award was cancelled in accordance with the Kings directions and the DCM was replaced with the award of the Victoria Cross and on 7th September 1944 the London Gazette announced: The King has been graciously pleased to approve the award of the Victoria Cross to:
In Italy on the 25th September 1943, the 3rd Battalion Coldstream guards attacked the Pagliarolli feature, a steep wooded hill near Salerno. Before it reached the crest, the right hand company was held up by heavy spandau and mortar fire and all officers had become casualties. CSM Wright, seeing that his company was held up, went forward to see what could be done. Finding that there were no officers left he immediately took charge and crawled forward by himself to see what the opposition was. He returned with the information that three spandau posts were holding them up. He collected a section and put it into position where it could give covering fire. Single handed he then attacked each post in tum with hand grenades and bayonet and silenced each one. He then led the company on to the crest but realised that the enemy fire made this position intenable. CSM Wright therefore led them a short way down the hill and up on to the objective from a different direction.
Entirely regardless of enemy fire, which was very heavy, CSM Wright then re-organised what was left of the company and placed them into position to consolidate the objective.
Soon afterwards the enemy launched a counter attack which was successfully beaten off. Later, with complete disregard of heavy enemy shell fire on the area of Company Headquarters and the reverse slopes of the hill an d of machine gun fire from the commanding slopes on the left flank of the position, he brought up extra ammunition and distributed it to the company. It is due to this Warrant Officer's superb disregard of the enemy's fire, his magnificent leadership, and his outstanding heroism throughout the action that his Battalion succeeded in c ap t u ring and m aintaining its hold on this very important objective.
"The King having been graciously pleased to approve the award of the Victoria Cross to Company Sergeant MajorWright, the award of the Distinguished Conduct Medal for the same acts of gallantry (announced i n the London Gazette of 27th January 1944) is cancelled".
Company Sergeant Major Wright went to Buckingham Palace again on 21st September 1944, this time to be decorated by the King with the Victoria Cross.
He received the following medals and decorations: Victoria Cross, General Service Medal with Palestine Clasp, 1939-45 Star, Italy Star, Africa Star with 8th Anny Clasp, Defence Medal 1939-45, British War Medal 1939-45, Queen Elizabeth II Coronation Medal and the Queen Elizabeth II Silver Jubilee Medal.
His medals are now in possession of his Family. He presented the Distin�shed Conduct Medal (which should have been returned when he was invested with the Victona Cross, but as no-one asked for it, he kept it) to the Regiment and it is now on display at Regimental Headquarters where it forms part of the Regimental Medal Collection.
On 3rd May 1988, a painting by Mr Peter Archer depicting the action for which he was awarded the Victoria Cross was commissioned by the Regiment.
PHWRIGHTVC Churchyard, All Saints Church, Ashbocking, Suffolk
Ian Oswald Liddell was born in Shanghai, China on 19th October 1920, son of Percy William (who was Chairman of Liddell Brothers, a Family Merchant Trading Firm in China) and Gwendoline Ray Liddell.
He was commissioned into the Coldstream Guards on 2nd November 1940 after originally joining the Shropshire Light Infantry as a Private on the outbreak of World War II. He was granted the Acting Rank of Lieutenant and posted to the Coats Mission (which was responsible for the safety of the Royal Family) on 11th February 1941. He was promoted Temp Lieutenant on 11th May 1941 and War Substantive Lieutenant 2nd May 1942. On 27th November 1942 he was posted to the 5th Battalion and was promoted Acting Captain on 21st February 1943 and granted Temp Captain on 21st May 1943.
TWENTY EIGHT
He was awarded the Victoria Cross for his actions in capturing intact a bridge over the River Ems, Near Lingen, Germany on 3rd April 1945.
His Citation which appeared in the London Gazette dated 7th June 1945 reads:
In Germany, on 3rd April 1945, Captain Liddell was commanding a company of the Coldstream Guards, which was ordered to capture intact a bridge over the River Ems near Lingen. The bridge was covered on the far bank by an enemy strong point, which was subsequently discovered to consist of 150 entrenched infantry supported by three 88mm and two 20mm guns. The bridge was also prepared for demolition with 5001b bombs, which could plainly be seen. Having directed his two leading platoons on to the near bank, Captain Liddell ran forward alone to the bridge and scaled the 10 feet high road block guarding it, with the intention of neutralizing the charges and taking the bridge intact. In order to achieve his object he had to cross the whole length of the bridge by himself under intense enemy fire, which increased as his object became apparent to the Germans. Having disconnected the charges on the far side, he re-crossed the bridge and cut the wires on the near side. It was necessary for him to kneel, forming an easy target, whilst he successively cut the wires.
He then discovered that there were also charges underneath the bridge and completely undeterred he also disconnected these. His task completed he then climbed up on the road-block in full view of the enemy and signalled his leading platoon to advance. Thus alone and unprotected, without cover, and under heavy enemy fire, he achieved his object. The bridge was captured intact and the way cleared for the advance across the River Ems. His outstanding gallantry and superb example of courage will never be forgotten by those who saw it.
This very brave officer has since died of wounds subsequently received in action.
He was unfortunately killed by a snipers bullet on 21st April 1945, (18 days before VE day -8th May 1945) whilst positioning a new Platoon Commander, as his Company (No 3 Coy, 5th Battalion Coldstream Guards) were fighting their way down the road towards Rothenburg, and subsequently died of his wounds shortly afterwards. He is buried in Becklingen War Cemetery, Nr Soltau, West Germany.
His Victoria Cross was presented to his widow Mrs Patricia Liddell (she later married Mr Norman Fraser) by His Majesty King GeorgeVI at Buckingham Palace on 12th February 1946.
In addition to the Victoria Cross he was in possession of the following medals: 1939-45 Star, France and Germany Star 1944-45, Defence Medal 1939-45 and the British War Medal 1939-45.
His medals were presented (on loan) to the Regiment by the Liddell Family on 1st July 1979 and are now on display in the National Army Museum, Chelsea, London.
There are also Memorials to Captain Liddell at Mounton Church, Chepstow, Wales and St Thomas' Church, Shirenewton, Wales.
In May 1989 the Regiment commissioned a painting depicting the action for which he was awarded the Victoria Cross.
IOLIDDELLVC
Plot 3, Row D, Grave 13
Becklingen War Cemetery
Nr Soltau, West Germany
The George Cross was created by King George VI on 23rd September 1940 to reward the
outstanding acts of gallantry being performed by civilians almost daily during the blitz. Althou several awards already existed for which civilians were eligible, ie the Empire Gallantry Me al instituted in 1922, none were on par with the Victoria Cross.
King George VI and his advisers decided to institute a new decoration which would be of equivalent status. The Empire Medal was abolished and all surviving holders of that award and those who had posthumously won it since the outbreak of World War II were invited to exchange their Empire Gallantry Medal for the George Cross.
The design of the George Cross, with which The King had much to do, is a plain cross of silver with four equal limbs bearing the motto 'For Gallantry'. It is connected by an oval shaped link to a bar engraved on the face with laurel leaves and having a space on the reverse for the recipient's name. The date of the deed for which the honour is bestowed is engraved on the back of the Cross itself. It is worn on the left breast suspended from a one and a half inch wide 'garter blue' ribbon. A miniature replica of the George Cross is attached to the ribbon when the ribbon is worn by itself.
The George Cross is awarded only for 'acts of the greatest heroism or of the most conspicuous courage in circumstances of extreme danger'. Although it was originally intended only to be awarded to civilians, and was at first referred to as the 'Civilians VC' it can be awarded to servicemen in circumstances where a Military award is not normally granted ie for gallantry not in the presence of the enemy. The George Cross takes precedence before all other decorations except the Victoria Cross.
Only one member of the Regiment has ever been awarded the George Cross. He is:
Brigadier A F C Nicholls
Arthur Frederick Crane Nicholls was born on 6th February 1911 at Hampstead, London son of Joseph and Josephine Nicholls.
He joined the Cambridge University Officer Training Corps in 1931 and on leavini University joined the Territorial Army and served with the 86th (East Anglia/Herts Yeomanry) Field Brigade Royal Artillery (TA) based in Watford with 343 (Hertfordshire) Battery. He transferred to the Coldstream Guards (Supplementary Reserve) as a Lieutenant on 19th May 1937. He was called up for Military Service on 15th August 1939 and was mobilised on 1st September 1939 and posted to the 2nd Battalion and went with them to France as part of the British Expeditionary Force. In September 1939 he was posted to Headquarters 1st Division and was granted the Acting Rank of Captain on 8th December 1939. He was promoted Temp Captain on 8th March 1940 and posted to the 2nd Battalion Coldstream Guards who were at the time back in England where he served until he was sent to attend No 7 Junior War Staff Course at the Staff College, Camberley on 6th June 1941. He relinquished the Temporary rank of Captain on 23rd October 1941. He was posted (whilst attending this course) to the Inter-Services Research Bureau and granted the Acting rank of Major on 10th March 1942. It was during this time he joined the Special Operations Executive. He was promoted Temp Major and War Substantive Captain on 10th June 1942. On 25th January 1943 he reliquished the Temp Rank of Major and was posted on promotion to the Acting Rank of Lieutenant Colonel to the War Office. He was promoted Temp Lieutenant Colonel and War Substantive Major on 25th April 1943. In August 1943 he was posted to Cairo and on 10th October 1943 parachuted into Albania. He was promoted Acting Brigadier and took over the Command of the Mission on 8th January 1944 on the capture of Brigadier Davies. He died of wounds on 11th February 1944 and was buried in Tirana, Albania.
Unfortunately, the Cemetery and original graves were destroyed by the Communists during the Hoxhas time in power. All those buried there were then commemorated on Special Memorials, Type E at the Phaleron War Cemetery in Athens, Greece. During 1994, following the changed political situation in Albania, the War Graves Commission established that the original individual burials were moved by the Communist Authorities to an unmarked collective grave located close to the University Buildings in Tirana and they established a cemetery nearby which is known as the 'Tirana Park Memorial Cemetery' and is cared for by the War Graves Commission. The Special Memorial Headstones have since been removed from the Pharleron War Cemetery and re-erected close to the burial site in Tirana. On 27th November 1994 the Cemetery was re-opened by the War Graves Commission in the presence of a Tri-service Fact Finding Team from the Ministry of Defence, 2 former members of the SOE, ex-partisans; and about 2,000 locals.
Brigadier Nicholls was awarded the George Cross for his actions in Albania between October 1943 and February 1944. His Citation published in the London Gazette dated 1st March 1946 reads:
Brigadier Nicholls was parachuted into Albania in October 1943, as General Staff Officer to the Allied Military Mission. The Mission was attacked and dispersed by the enemy in December and from then until the end of January 1944 Brigadier Nicholls was a fugitive in the mountains in conditions of t he most extreme hardship and sufferini. He took over command the remains of the dispersed mission when, under close hostile fire, his Brigadier was wounded with two others and gave orders that they should be abandoned to the enemy.
Brigadier Nicholls was at the time suffering from extreme frostbite in both feet, but despite the increasing severity of this handicap, for which no medical aid was available, and in the face of conditions that made human life barely tenable, he maintained his determination to carry out his task of getting in touch with an Allied Wireless Telegraphy set in order to regain contact with his Headquarters in Italy. When he could no longer stand, he ordered his second-in-command to take over and march south, leaving him (Brigadier Nicholls) with two Albanian peasants to make what progress they could to the north in the hope of finding an Allied Wireless Telegraphy post. For fifteen days
THIRTY THREE
Brigadier Nicholls traversed enemy occupied territory by being dragged over snow and rocks on his greatcoat and later by riding a mule.
When Brigadier Nicholls made contact with the British Officer whom he sought, he was half-starved, half-frozen, and had a dislocated shoulder. He made his report upon which important 9uestions of Allied strateiy and policy depended and was planning a reorganisation of the Miss10n (the remainder of which was located and rescued as a result of his efforts) when, after a journey of further hardships to base, he died on the 11th of February 1944.
Brigadier Nicholls, despite his terrible sufferings, realized throughout the supreme importance of gettini in touch with his Headquarters. He set an example of heroism, fortitude, courage, leadership , the will to win, and devotion to duty which has seldom been equalled and never surpassed. He carried on far longer than could normally be considered possible, and this undoubtedly caused his death.
His George Cross was presented to his widow, Dorothy, by His Majesty King George VI at Buckingham Palace on 29tlt October 1946.
In addition to the George Cross he was in possession of the following medals: 1939-45 Star, Italy Star, Defence Medal 1939-45, British War Medal 1939-45 with Oak Leaf and the Emergency Reserve Decoration (published in the Supplement to the London Gazette dated 26th November 1991).
His medals were presented to the Regiment by his daughter, Mrs J Anderson in 1975. In 1991 it was established that he may have been eligible for the award of the Army Emergency Reserve Decoration. A case was presented to the Army Medals Office and the award was subsequently gazetted in the Supplement to the London Gazette dated 26th November 1991. The Army Emergency Reserve Decoration (ERO) was forwarded to Mrs Anderson, who in turn, presented it to the Regiment in 1992 and it was placed with his other Medals where they now form part of the Regimental Victoria and George Cross Collection.
