Historical Information (Source: CWGC)

Vertigneul and Romeries were both taken by the 1st Otago Regiment, the 2nd Canterbury Regiment and the 8th Lancashire Fusiliers on 23 October 1918.  Vertigneul Churchyard contains the graves of 20 Commonwealth servicemen of the First World War, 19 of them from New Zealand units.

Served with

• New Zealand (19)
• German (1)
• United Kingdom (1)

Served in

• Army (21)

Nicholas was born in Lincoln, near Christchurch, in New Zealand on 11 June 1891 to Richard and Hannah Nicholas and was one of four boys. He did his schooling in Christchurch, first at Christchurch Normal School and later at Christchurch East School. After completing his education, he took up an apprenticeship to a builder, learning carpentry. He later worked in Australia for four years. On returning to New Zealand in 1915, he joined New Zealand's part-time militia, the Territorial Force, and served in the Field Engineers.

Citation

An extract from "The London Gazette" dated 8th Jan., 1918, records the following:-"For most conspicuous bravery and devotion to duty in attack. Pte. Nicholas, who was one of a Lewis gun section, had orders to form a defensive flank to the right of the advance which was subsequently checked by heavy machine-gun and rifle fire from an enemy strong point.  Whereupon, followed by the remainder of his section at an interval of about twenty-five yards, Pte. 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 machine gun. He captured this strong point practically singlehanded, and thereby saved many casualties. Subsequently, when the advance had reached its limit, Pte. Nicholas collected ammunition under heavy machine-gun and rifle fire. His exceptional valour and coolness throughout the operations afforded an inspiring example to all."  

Grave Reference: 15.

(Source: Wikipedia)