Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Sergeant

Awarded on:

September 14th, 1943

Awarded for:

Operation Albumen

"This NCO, with 18822893 Cpl GREAVES, S, RE, was entirely responsible for planning and carrying out the attack on KASTELL PEDIADA aerodrome from the East on the night of 4th July 1943. In spite of considerable opposition they successfully entered the aerodrome.

Although fired on by sentries on three occasions they continued with the attack and destroyed five aircraft and two petrol dumps, withdrawing only when lorry loads of reinforcements prevented further action. Throughout the duration of the operation, the conduct of this NCO was of the highest order."

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Sergeant

Awarded on:

January 4th, 1945

"For gallantry and devotion to duty during Operations on the islands of SANTORIN and PAROS. This Sgt. was the senior NCO of the SBS Patrol which attacked the garrison at SANTORIN on the night 23 April 1944. Together with one Officer and ten other ranks he entered the building occupied by approximately 30 of the enemy, an intense close quarter engagement followed. Under Sgt. NICHOLSON's direction the doors of the living quarters were kicked in and grenades thrown into each room, followed by fire from SMG and Bren. The enemy replied vigorously, killing two of the SBS. Aroused by the noise, an enemy patrol arrived on the scene and commenced firing from the street through the main entrance, at the building causing further casualties. They were, however, driven off by Sgt. NICHOLSON with a Bren. The attack was continued until this NCO had established that all the occupants of the buildings were either killed or wounded. The Patrol then withdrew, covered by Sgt. NICHOLSON who again neutralised enemy fire from close range. On the night 16/17 May 1944 this NCO was ordered, together with two men, to attack the house in PAROS Town occupied by the Garrison Commander and two GERMAN O.Rs. Although the general alarm had been given, and all the enemy in the vicinity were standing to, he carried out his task killing the O.Rs. and capturing the Officer. On the way back to the RV however, and whilst still in the town, they were engaged by an enemy patrol, and the GERMAN Officer was wounded in the neck. Later, a number of hand grenades were thrown at the party and the Officer killed. Sgt. NICHOLSON therefore left the Officer and returned to the RV with his men. On both these occasions and previously, during the attempted invasion of SYMI in Oct. 1943, the coolness, example, and personal disregard of danger of this NCO was of the highest order."