Charles Nicholls Jnr Holland Street Charlestown Salford

[annibee]

I'm looking for help with a couple of things on my uncle, my mums (Ada Phillips nee Nicholls) brother. His full name is Charles Nicholls Jnr born in Salford 1917 to my granny and granddad Ann Ellen & Charles Nicholls. I have his service number as PlyX2570 Royal Marine Commando no 43 unit, this is from his MM award information.

I have just finished the book The Green Beret in which is described the situation he received his medal at The Hilltop of Brac. I have the actual recommendation information and I have ONE photo of him. This is all I know about him (which is a lot more than before, I'm in awe of what he and his units did) I would love to know more about him and his unit.



I believe (from memory) he died on his way home from work in 1969. He married Elizabeth Wolstencroft in 1946 and had a daughter called Elizabeth Ann.

I only have a family photo of him which I will post as soon as I know how.

I have no photo of him in uniform, don't know if anyone would have one of the unit, would be most grateful



Also can anyone explain to me what the commando's mean by 'Indian Style' attack? is is walking in a horizontal line or a circle? The commandos developed it apparently, whatever 'it' is



Read more: salfordwarmemorials.proboards.com/conversation/3112#ixzz4QOz2mBkX

[shred]

Annibee,

I can see that the Charles's M.M. was gazetted on the 13th March 1945. I have already photographed the articles published in the Salford Reporter for 1945 and have not seen anything published with regards to his award (I may have missed it).



You can apply for his service records link - Cost £30.

I haven't got a clue what an 'Indian style' attack is. You could try asking on the excellent WW2 Talk forum.

If you would like a picture adding to this thread send it here and I will post on your behalf.

[shred]

Charles's M.M. was sold in auction in 2008.

Recommendation states: ‘Mne. Nicholls was one of a party who had to go forward from his Tp to blow a gap through wire and a minefield under very heavy MG and Mortar fire. He was badly wounded while doing this, but he went back and brought the Tp through the gap. In order that the men should be able to see where the gap was he stood up in the bright moonlight and beconed them on. He was continuously under fire from a post about 20 yards through the wire. When the Tp was through he went on with them disregarding his wounds completely. He showed outstanding courage and disregard for his own safety, though in great pain’.

link

[Deleted]

Nov 18, 2016 22:27:32 GMT annibee said:

I only have a family photo of him which I will post as soon as I know how.

I have no photo of him in uniform, don't know if anyone would have one of the unit, would be most grateful

Posted on behalf of Annibee.

[annibee]

Hi Guys
In the top left hand corner of his
of Charles' M.M. Commanders detail of the assault and recommendation it does say 'Secret', would that have made a difference at the time?
Blessings 

[annibee]

Oh no I've only just seen the 'Medals Sold' what a shame! Who would by them a collector?