Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Temporary Lieutenant-Colonel

Unit:

Albanian section, Special Operations Executive (SOE), British Government

Awarded on:

March 1st, 1946

Recommendation:
"This officer was dropped by parachute in October, 1943, as G.S.O. I. to the Head of the Allied Military mission in Albania.

During December, an attack by strong enemy forces compelled the Mission Headquarters to disperse, and Lt. Colonel NICHOLLS and a party which included the Brigadier Commanding, took to the mountains, which were four feet deep in snow, suffering severe hardship from bitter cold, fatigue and lack of food.

By the end of the month, Lt. Colonel NICHOLLS' feet were severely frost bitten, all the toes and the front of both feet being affected. No treatment was possible as the party had no medical equipment, and in order to keep going, this officer refused to take off his boots.

On or about 6th January, 1944, the party took shelter in a sheep fold which appeared to give cover and a chance to rest. Here, when with great difficulty, Lt. Colonel NICHOLLS managed to remove his boots, both feet swelled up and burst. Again, no medical aid was available.

Two days later, the enemy surrounded their hiding place and attacked on three sides. The Brigadier, having no adequate weapons for defense, ordered the party to make for high ground, which could only be reached by a long steep climb through deep snow, without cover, and in full view of the enemy who were 600 yards away. The party came under heavy and accurate rifle fire throughout. The Brigadier was hit three times and two other British hit once. Although three bullets passed through different parts of his clothing, and his figure was conspicuous on account of his weight, Lt. Colonel NICHOLLS was not wounded.

The three casualties were left behind by direct order of the Brigadier and Lt. Colonel NICHOLLS assumed command of the rest of the party and completed their escape. Throughout, he set a magnificent example of courage, leadership, devotion to duty and complete disregard of his own safety and agony. Despite the appalling condition of his feet, he himself helped falling members of his party during the climb and encouraged all by his example. Having eluded the enemy, he managed to proceed for sixteen hours, largely in the dark, over the most difficult terrain. Never complaining of his own condition, he refused to halt and his unflagging courage urged the others on. At least his feet failed completely and he could no longer stand.

His objective was to carry out his Brigadier's orders to regain contact with Headquarters in Italy by reaching a W/T set through which he could send the Brigadier's report. Accordingly, he ordered the remaining officer under his command to set out southwards to locate the W/T set, and Lt. Colonel, Now Brigadier NICHOLLS, (on the death of his Commanding Officer), set out northwards on the same quest.

Since he could no longer stand or move, Brigadier Nicholls took off his greatcoat and ordered his escort of two Albanians to carry him on it, as an improvised stretcher. They managed to carry and drag him over the snow-covered mountain-side until eventually a mule was obtained for him but owing to his height, his mutilated feet were continuously dragging in the snow. As is was impossible to get his boots on, his feet were wrapped in roughly-cured goat skins and consequently, gangrene set in.

In the course of the next fifteen days, Brigadier NICHOLLS crossed a large expanse of mountain territory. He was compelled to move mostly by night as it was continuously patrolled by the enemy. Hiding in various sheepfolds by day, he had little to eat beyond some rye bread. He was without money, medical aid, or change of clothing and had not even an interpreter.

? finally ? the British officer for whom he had been searching. By this time me was more than half-starved, his shoulder had been dislocated by a fall down the mountain-side, and his feet had become festering masses of flesh. The bare bones protruding through the gangrened flesh were the only indication of where the toes had been. Despite his physical condition, his fighting spirit was unimpaired. Determined to carry on his work he was full of plans for the re-organization of the mission and for future operations.

Brigadier NICHOLLS, who now had to be carried, since he fainted when placed on a mule, was taken to a safe place where medical attention was available. An operation was performed early in February but such was his state of weakness, that on the 11th February, he died from heart failure. Brigadier NICHOLLS had achieved the objective given to him by his Commanding Officer. He succeeded in making contact with the British officer who was in W/T communication with Italy, and sent through him, the views and recommendations of his Brigadier, which effected our entire policy towards Albania and towards the Balkan area in general. If Brigadier NICHOLLS' undaunted perseverance had not achieved this, nothing would have been heard of the mission for another four months, if at all.

For his courage in the face of the enemy, and for his unsurpassed heroism in achieving the object set him, it is strongly recommended that Brigadier Nicholls be awarded the Victoria Cross."

Posthumously awarded

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)