Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A fine Second War ‘clandestine operations’ B.E.M. group of five awarded to Lance Sergeant N. C. Nicklin, Royal Signals, a wireless operator in S.O.E.’s Force 133 who was parachuted into Greece in January 1944 and spent the rest of the year working behind enemy lines. Including during a German drive in July 1944 when Nicklin was surprised and forced to take cover within 20 feet of two enemy mortar positions - ‘with the Germans walking around him, he scraped a hole in the ground and buried the ciphers and code book which he wanted to save in case of capture…’

British Empire Medal, (Military) G.VI.R., 1st issue (2362342 L/Sgt. Norman C. Nicklin); 1939-45 Star; Africa Star; Italy Star; War Medal 1939-45, with named Buckingham Palace enclosure slip, generally good very fine (5) £1,800-£2,200

B.E.M. London Gazette 18 October 1945:
‘In recognition of gallant and distinguished services in the field.’

The original recommendation (for a ‘Greek award equivalent to BEM’) states”
‘Lance-Sergeant Nicklin was dropped by parachute into Greece in January 1944 and returned to the Middle East in December 1944 on completion of his duties. Whilst in Greece he served the whole time as W/T operator.

On arrival he was stationed for a few days only in the Thessaly area and moved after that to the South Macedonia HQ Station where he carried out, in addition to his W/T operator duties, cipher and station administration duties as 2 i/c the Wireless Station.

During a German drive in July 1944 Sergeant Nicklin, who had been surprised unawares, was forced to take cover in some bracken within 20 feet of two German mortars. With the Germans walking around him, he scraped a hole in the ground and buried the ciphers and code book which he wanted to save in case of capture. With the enemy so near, he disregarded his own safety and took a considerable risk.

In August and September, traffic coming through his station was very heavy, as preparations were being made to harass the retreating Germans. This meant a great strain on the W/T operators and cipher personnel, especially when intercommunications were introduced between Field Stations, adding greatly to the already considerable traffic with the Middle East.

Before going into the field Lance-Sergeant Nicklin had worked at Cairo HQs. At all times he proved a reliable and efficient NCO. For his devotion to duty, for his long and faithful service in occupied Greece he is recommended for a suitable Greek award.’

Norman Charles Nicklin was a native of Walsall.