Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A Great War 1918 ‘Ypres’ M.M. awarded to Gunner F. Nicholas, 101st Howitzer Battery, 1st Field Artillery Brigade, Australian Imperial Force, who was severely gassed 18 March 1918

Military Medal, G.V.R. (1947 Gnr: F. Nicholas. 101/How: By: 1/Bde: Aust: F.A.) soldier repair to suspension post, nearly very fine £400-£500

M.M. London Gazette 12 June 1918. The original recommendation (jointly listed with Gunners A. E. Schmidt and A. Woodington) states:

‘For most conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty on the night of 17th/18th March 1918, when during a heavy hostile gas and high explosive bombardment of the battery near Norfolk Bridge on the Ypres-Comines Canal, North East of St. Eloi, a gun pit was ignited by an enemy shell and severe damage was threatened. Under great difficulties these gunners extinguished the burning pit, with the result that the gun was only temporarily out of action and the loss of ammunition minimised.’

Frank Nicholas was born in Parkes, New South Wales, Australia. He enlisted in the Australian Imperial Force, 24 August 1915. Nicholas was posted to the 1st Light Horse Regiment in March 1916, and transferred as a Signaller to the Australian Artillery in May of the same year. He served with the 101st Howitzer Battery, 1st Field Artillery Brigade in the French theatre of war from December 1916.

The following year Nicholas suffered from Trench Feet and Rheumatic Fever, before recovering to distinguish himself in action near St. Eloi, Ypres, 17/18 March 1918. Nicholas was severely gassed during the action, and returned to Australia in October 1918.

Nicholas was discharged in May 1919, and in later life resided in Bendigo, Victoria.