BAR TO THE MILITARY CROSS

NICHOLLS, Henry William, Captain (First bar) (1/8026),
3rd Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment

During the ten months period from July1951 until May 1952, Captain Nicholls commanded B Company, 3 RAR. In the assault on Point 317 in October 1951, B Company spearheaded the attacks on two occasions clearing minor opposition to enable subsequent heavy attacks by following companies to be launched. The preliminary attacks were conducted at night in heavy fog over long distances and through extremely difficult terrain. Their success was largely due to careful planning and control by Captain Nicholls. The company was subjected to considerable enemy small arms and mortar fire during this period. On 7 October 1951, B Company launched an early morning attack against enemy occupying vital ground to the west of Point 317. During this attack B Company headquarters and the reserve platoon fought off two determined enemy counter-attacks in stand-up fights at close range in grass four feet high. Twenty enemy soldiers were killed and unknown numbers wounded, while B Company casualties totalled two killed and twelve wounded. A major factor in driving off these attacks was the courage, determination and example shown by Captain Nicholls. From this time onwards B Company was subjected to sustained and accurate shelling and mortaring. At night the enemy counter-attacked with at least one battalion, preceded by heavy artillery bombardment. This attack continued throughout the night until first light the following day when the enemy withdrew. By this time more than half of B Company had been killed or wounded. Enemy dead lying about the company perimeter were conservatively estimated at 120 while very large numbers had been wounded. Throughout this extremely difficult period, Captain Nicholls demonstrated outstanding bravery and inspired leadership. His personal example and great determination were major factors in the success of his company