Previous Lot Next Lot

Auction: 24113 - Orders, Decorations and Medals - e-Auction
Lot: 187

(x) 'He was beloved by all, especially by those he commanded. During the past three months he had had a very difficult and trying time in continual discomfort and constant danger, yet I never heard him crumble, and rarely saw him without a smile. I wish there were more like him. The Royal Artillery has lost a gallant and a good comrade.'

(The words of Lieutenant-Colonel W. A. Nicholson's CO, quoted in De Ruvigny's Roll of Honour)

The Q.S.A. awarded to Lieutenant-Colonel W. A. Nicholson, 69th Battery, Royal Field Artillery, later Lieutenant-Colonel, whose Battery was in action at the Battle of Itala and was later Killed in Action by German bombing at the Battle of Passchendaele in 1917

Queen's South Africa 1899-1902, 4 clasps, Cape Colony, Orange Free State, Transvaal, South Africa 1901 (Capt. W. A. Nicholson, 69/B., R.F.A.), contact mark to obverse, very fine

Walter Adams Nicholson was born at Cork, Ireland on 28 September 1869, the son of James and Emily Nicholson. He educated at Shrewsbury School followed by the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst and was commissioned 2nd Lieutenant on 27 July 1888. Further advanced Lieutenant on 27 July 1891 he was appointed Adjutant of the 3rd Kent Volunteer Artillery on 9 March 1896.

Transferring to the 69th Battery, Royal Field Artillery he was advanced Captain with them on 17 February 1899. Serving from 1901 Nicholson took part in Operations in Transvaal and the Orange River Country. Notably he was present in Cape Colony from March 1901, the 69th Battery had two guns present at Fort Itala during the Battle of Itala on 26 September. Nicholson left Cape Colony in October; he was later further advanced Major on 13 July 1903.

Seeing further service after the war he served in Egypt and India before retiring on 28 September 1909 only to return to the colours on the outbreak of the Great War. Entering the war in France on 26 August 1915 he was advanced Lieutenant-Colonel and given command of a Brigade being 'mentioned' for his services (London Gazette 4 January 1917, refers).

Whilst serving in this role Nicholson went into action at the Battle of Passchendaele, he was killed in action on 4 September 1917 by a bomb dropped from an aeroplane. He was buried at Locre Hospice Cemetery; sold together with copied research.

Subject to 5% tax on Hammer Price in addition to 20% VAT on Buyer’s Premium.

Sold for
£320

Starting price
£130