An Historic
1914 Star & Bar Trio.
To:
2565. Pte. F. NICHOLLS. R.WAR.R.
(2nd Royal Warwickshire Regt)
KILLED IN ACTION
19th December 1914
at
BOIS GRENIER.
One of 300 men lost during this brutal action.
Frederick Nicholls was born in Bournebrook, Birmingham and entered France on 11.11.14 with 2nd Bn Royal Warwickshire Regt. They went straight to the front line and took part in heavy fighting with many losses. Withdrawn in early December they had a weeks rest in billets where they received a large new draft of men from England.
Major R.H.W. Brewis assumed command of the battalion on 10th November and with him the men of the 2nd returned to the trenches at FLEUR-BAIX and had regular periods of rest whilst their numbers gradually increased to 22 Officers and 939 men. On the 18th December 1914 they received orders to capture the German position at BOIS GRENIER near Le Maisnil. Immediately the attack began the Germans opened fire with rifles and machine guns, but the battalion bravely continued its advance with great resolve and courage with some men getting to within a few yards of the enemy trenches. However, the casualties were so heavy that what remained of the unit was forced to return to its own lines.
The C.O. Major Brewis and eight other officers were killed and two wounded with one missing.
300 other ranks were killed during this savage action
including Fred Nicholls.
MEDALS PRACTICALLY MINT WITH ORIGINAL RIBBONS
£495