Printed from Woolley & Wallis

Description

The Great War D.S.O. group of seven awards to Major Ernest Puleston Nicholls, D.S.O., T.D., Royal Field Artillery: Distinguished Service Order, George V; 1914-15 Star (CAPT. E. P. NICHOLLS. R.F.A.); British War Medal 1914-20 and Victory Medal with copy Mention in Despatched Emblem (MAJOR E. P. NICHOLLS); Defence Medal; War Medal 1939-45; Territorial Decoration, George V, silver-gilt, Garrard, London 1918; mounted for display in court style, good very fine or better. [7]

D.S.O. London Gazette 16/09/1918

Ernest Puleston Nicholls was born in February 1870 and educated at Malvern and at Brasenose College, Oxford. He was commissioned 2nd Lieutenant in the 3rd Kent (Royal Arsenal) Royal Garrison Artillery Volunteers in August 1903, progressing to Lieutenant on Christmas Eve the following year, and to Captain in November 1906. Upon the creation of the Territorial Force he was appointed to 6th Battery 2nd Brigade. He proceeded to France in October 1915. At the time of his D.S.O. act he was a Major in command of 42 Battery RFA.

"For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty while commanding his battery during an enemy attack. Under the most difficult circumstances he fought off the enemy all day, and in the evening withdrew his battery with the loss of only one gun, which had been destroyed by shell fire. He showed great ability in command".

The occasion for this appears to have been the withdrawal of 6th Division from Morchies in late March 1918.

The recipient gave further service, in the Second World War, as an officer in the Administrative and Special Duties Branch of the R.A.F.V.R.