A Great War ‘Western Front’ M.M. pair awarded to Serjeant J. Nicholls, Worcestershire Regiment

Military Medal, G.V.R. (5157 Sjt., 4/Worc. R.); Queen’s South Africa 1899-1902, 2 clasps, Cape Colony, Orange Free State (5157 Corpl., Worcester. Regt.) second with edge bruising and contact marks, good fine; first good very fine (2) £300-350

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, Medals from the Collection of Brigadier Brian Parritt, C.B.E..

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M.M. London Gazette 11 November 1916.

Joseph Nicholls was born in Dudley, Worcestershire and enlisted into the Worcestershire Regiment in March 1893 and was to remain with them for the rest of his life. He served in South Africa where he gained the QSA and two clasps. In 1903 the Battalion went to Malta, in 1905 to India and in 1909 to Burma. Nicholls was present when the 4th Battalion was stationed at Bareilly, and took part in the Grand Parade in Delhi to mark the visit of King George V. For this participation he was awarded the Delhi Durbar Medal.

After the tour in Burma the Battalion returned to England on 1 February 1915 ready for action in the First World War. The 4th Battalion left Avonmouth on 21 March 1915 as part of 88th Brigade, 29th Division. After passing through Egypt the Battalion, including Nicholls, arrived at Gallipoli on 24 April 1915 and went ashore under heavy fire. The battalion at that time consisted of 29 officers and 931 other ranks. Part of X Company reached the River Clyde and attempted to land at V Beach, but most were killed or wounded. The remainder of the Battalion landed on W Beach and formed up with Z and Y Companies in front, and X and Y Companies in support. They then moved forward using the bayonet to clear the enemy from Hill 138. In the advance towards Krithia, the Battalion again launched a bayonet charge and by the end of April had suffered 35 killed, 199 wounded and 74 missing. During May the Battalion continuously fought along the firing line between the Krithia Nullah and Gully Ravine and by the end of the month their strength was reduced to 11 officers and 483 other ranks. In June and July the Battalion took part in the Third Battle of Krithia and during this time Lieutenant H. James earned his VC for outstanding courage in defence and leading attacks. From July to December the Battalion was rarely out of action. In September they suffered heavily at Sulva Bay and amongst those killed was Lieutenant James shot by a sniper. In October all 20 officers in the Battalion were Second Lieutenants and it was not till the 26th that Captain Kerans took command of the Battalion. On the night of 7/8 January 1916 the Battalion embarked from W Beach and sailed back to Egypt. They had been in action from the beginning of the campaign to the very end and had lost 64 officers and 1550 other ranks killed, wounded or died from other causes. A total of 1614 dead.

From Egypt the Battalion was posted to France, arriving at Marseilles on 20 March 1916, still part of 88 Brigade, 29th Division. In France/Flanders they fought in every major battle until the 11th November 1918, including the Somme from 1 July to the 18 November 1916, then at Albert, Le Transloy, Arras, Scarpe, Ypres 1917, Langemarck, Polcappelle, Cambrai, Estaires, Lys, Bailleul, Kemmel, Ypres 1918 and finally at Courtrai in October 1918. For his services in France, Nicholls was awarded the Military Medal.

Company Sergeant-Major Joseph Nicholls died on 30 January 1919, aged 38 years, and was buried at the Holy Trinity Church, Amblecote. He was the son of Mrs May Nicolls who lived at 36 High Street, Amblecote. Sold with copied research.