1914-15 Star (L-14926 PTE. A.J. NICHOLS. R.FUS.); British War Medal (L-14926 PTE. A.J. NICHOLS. R.FUS.); Victory Medal (L-14926 PTE. A.J. NICHOLS. R.FUS.); Memorial Plaque (ARTHUR JAMES NICHOLS) - with original boxes of issue and award letters.
Arthur John Nichols was born in Harmondsworth, Middlesex in 1894. He served with the 4th Bn Royal Fusiliers in France and Flanders and was Killed in Action at St Eloi on on 27.3.1916 when struck by fragments of a shell.
The Middlesex & Buckinghamshire Advertiser of 14 April 1916 carried the following:
"HARMONDSWORTH SOLDIERS' DEATHS - With regret we announce the the death of two of the village lads from Harmondsworth during the past week. On the 4th April the parents of Arthur J. Nichols (4th Royal Fusiliers) received news of his death in action from a comrade. Our young soldier, who was only twenty one years of age, enlisted four years ago, and was drafted to India. Returning with the Indian troops in December 1914, he was sent to France and was in the Ypres campaign. Through illness he was invalided home, and after partial recovery was sent again to the front some seven months ago.
In his regiment he held the championship for bayonet fencing, and certificates for shooting and swimming. From the letter it stated that going into action at St Eloi on March 27th he was struck by fragments of a shell, being killed outright and partially buried. His body was laid in the burial ground at Voormezeele. He was held in high esteem by his comrades. Had he have been spared, his leave was granted for this week."
Medals are in good condition unless otherwise indicated.
