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

A display group of medals representative of those worn by Wing Commander J. B. Nicolson, Royal Air Force

Victoria Cross, copy; Distinguished Flying Cross, G.VI.R., copy; 1939-45 Star, 1 copy clasp, Battle of Britain; Air Crew Europe Star; Burma Star; Defence and War Medals 1939-45, mounted for display, together with a portrait photographic image of the recipient; riband bar; and R.A.F. cloth wings, generally very fine (7) £200-£300

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

V.C. London Gazette 15 November 1940:
‘During an engagement with the enemy near Southampton on 16th August 1940, Flight Lieutenant Nicolson’s aircraft was hit by four cannon shells, two of which wounded him whilst another set fire to the gravity tank. When about to abandon his aircraft owing to flames in the cockpit he sighted an enemy fighter. This he attacked and shot down, although as a result of staying in his burning aircraft he sustained serious burns to his hands, face, neck and legs. Flight Lieutenant Nicolson has always displayed great enthusiasm for air fighting and this incident shows that he possesses courage and determination of a high order. By continuing to engage the enemy after he had been wounded and his aircraft set on fire, he displayed exceptional gallantry and disregard for the safety of his own life.’

D.F.C. London Gazette 11 August 1944.

James Brindley Nicolson was the only Battle of Britain pilot to be awarded the Victoria Cross during the Second World War. His original V.C. and other medals is on display in the R.A.F. Museum, Hendon.

Sold with a print of Nicolson winning his V.C., entitled “Battle of Britain VC” by Robert Taylor, mounted in a glazed display frame.