A Collection of Medals formed by the Reverend Canon Nigel Nicholson, OStJ, DL

A fine Second War North West Europe ‘capture of Winnekendonk’ M.M. group of eight awarded to Sergeant W. Nicholson, 2 Lincolns, late East Yorkshire Regiment

Military Medal, G.VI.R. (4342240 Sjt. W. Nicholson. Linc. R.); India General Service 1936-39, 1 clasp, North West Frontier 1936-37 (4342240 Pte. W. Nicholson. E. York. R.); 1939-45 Star; France and Germany Star; Defence and War Medals 1939-45; General Service 1918-62, 1 clasp, Palestine 1945-48 (4342240 W.O. Cl. 2. W. Nicholson (M.M.). R. Lincolns); Coronation 1953, mounted as worn, light contact marks, otherwise better than very fine (8) £1,800-£2,200

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, A Collection of Medals formed by the Reverend Canon Nigel Nicholson, OStJ, DL.

View
Collection

M.M. London Gazette 21 June 1945. The recommendation states:

‘This NCO was commanding a platoon of “B” Company during the attack on WINNEKENDONK on the evening of the 2nd March 1945. This platoon, just before it reached its final objective, was in a ditch some thirty yards from the defended houses which they had to take. Whilst in this ditch they were subjected to withering fire from the houses on their front and flanks and suffered heavy casualties. Sjt Nicholson organised his platoon, moving from section to section while under very heavy fire, and led them in their final rush which carried the objective. But for his fine example of personal bravery and coolness under fire, which inspired all those under him, it is doubtful whether the objective would have been taken.’

This action, during Operation ‘Veritable’ is described at some length in the regimental history of the Lincolns which concludes: ‘One cannot say whether Winnekendonk will be inscribed among the Battle Honours of the Regiment, but never have the men who wear its badge acquitted themselves more nobly. It must rank as one of the finest actions of the war - a struggle to the death with fine fighting soldiers on either side.’

Sold with further research and a post-war photograph of the recipient in uniform.