Alex. N. Nicholson

Legacy

World War One service recognised on the Ballarat Avenue of Honour.

Notes

The following letter mentioned the large explosions resulting from the work of the Australian Mining Corp.

LETTER FROM THE FRONT - SERGEANT A. N. NICHOLSON.

Sub-Inspector Nicholson has received the following interesting letter from his son, Sergeant. Alex. N.Nicholson, who has just been reported wounded:— 'The last letter I wrote you was on the eve of the big advance, so I will tell you as much as I am able to from that time on. We didn't get a wink of sleep previous to attack, principally owing to the Huns sending over gas shells. We got the order to mount the parapet very early in the morning. Previous to our doing so however several big mines exploded under his system of trenches, and our splendid artillery opened up its trench barrage. We had to advance with our respirators on as Fritz put up a gas Shell bar rage, and it was most exhausting. Though the big high-explosive shells were falling thick in 'No Man's Land we all heaved a sigh of relief when the air was no longer tainted with Fritz's kultur, and all advanced as cool as possible, numbers smoking pipes and cigarettes. When shells burst nearby they would simply walk around the crater, taking no more notice of it than they would of any obstacle on a peaceful field. I was rather afraid I would get excited, but am pleased to say that right through the stunt I never felt cooler and more collected, and even at the time I couldn't help feeling the humor of my getting excited on the bank counter and not in the least ruffled in the biggest battle the world has ever seen, or heard of. I fell quite satisfied that there is humor in every thing if one looks for it and in this case, notwithstanding, dead, dying, and wounded men of both friend and enemy, and big shells falling all round us. I laughed heartily at the way. Fritz gave himself up to us without showing a sign of fight, and looking Horribly frightened at our exhibition of cold steel. and also very doubtfully they made them selves very useful as stretcher-bearers. I was rather touched to see two German Medical Corps dressing with, skill and tenderness our wounded men— a job they voluntarily did in that shell-swept area instead of running for our trenches like the other prisoners we took and did very promptly too. The Huns surrendered to us in hundreds, and some, splendid souvenirs were obtained but I applied myself to the work in hand, and all the best souvenirs had been secured by the time I had any leisure. However, I managed to get a few articles previously owned by Fritz and will send them on the first opportunity I get. We advanced a few miles and then dug in. Fritz kept at us: his snipers and machine gunners made our job a very warm one, but we in turn got in some splendid shooting and our platoon sergeant must have, accounted for at least a dozen himself. Fritz massed a few times to counter attack, but our artillery and machine guns persuaded him of its futility, but he kept up his big gun and machine gun. and sniper fire, and we had a very wretched time of it.

External links

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--Beth Kicinski 09:07, 24 August 2013 (EST); --Clare K.Gervasoni 11:55, 6 April 2015 (AEST)