Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Trooper

Unit:

1 Canadian Armoured Corps Regiment, Royal Canadian Dragoons

Awarded on:

August 11th, 1945

On 16 Apr 45 the Sp Tp of 'B' Sqn., RCD's was despatched to assist the Dutch Underground at ANJUM. The enemy about 400 strong had left the Island of SCHIERMONNIKOOG in 5 ships and were attempting to land at ANJUM. The tp of which Tpr Nichols is a member arrived on the scene during heavy shelling from four 4" naval guns on the Island. These guns were laying a barrage on the sea wall and village to neutralize defenses during the landing. At the same time four 20mm AA guns from the ships were raking the top of the dyke overlooking the pier. Tpr Nichols under hy shell and 20mm fire rushed to the top of the dyke, establishing his Bren gun and started to fire back at the landing enemy. His concentrated fire silenced one 20mm and killed at least 10 Germans of the party which had landed. His prompt and determined action disorganized the enemy and broke up their assault from the pier. At the same time it enabled the remainder of the troop to take up other positions on the dyke to assist him in repelling the landing.
Tpr Nichol's bravery, determination and initiative were an example to the rest of the sqn, and enabled it to be deployed to engage the enemy so that, as a result of concentrated Sqn fire the large enemy partly put back out to sea. Had the enemy made a successful landing in force the whole Sqn and regtl section that area would have been prejudiced.
Due in large measure to Tpr Nichol's brave action 'B' Sqn RCD was enabled to complete it's task."