NICHOLLS, Joseph MM

Joseph Nicholls was born in Dudley and volunteered for the army in 1898. His long career included both the Boer War and the Great War and he was promoted from Private to Company Sergeant Major. He served in the 4th Battalion which was formed in 1900, fought in South Africa and, after the end of hostilities, served in Burma. When war broke out in 1914 the battalion returned to Britain and joined the Expeditionary Force to defeat Germany’s new ally, Turkey. The Gallipoli landing on the 25th April was successful but the Force failed to take control of the Gallipoli peninsula and was evacuated in January 1916. Private Nicholls had suffered a gunshot wound to the head but enjoyed promotion to Sergeant. The Worcesters went to the Western Front in March 1916 and fought in the Battle of the Somme from the first day and at Arras and the Third Battle of Ypres in 1917 by which time he was Company Sergeant Major and had been awarded the Military Medal. Halting the German Spring offensives of 1918 was a very difficult task and seems to have exhausted his energies. He had been gassed on at least two occasions and suffered wounds. He was allowed to return home in June 1918 and spent some time in hospital. He was able to visit the home of his married sister in High Street, Amblecote, and while there in January 1919 he was seriously ill, notably with chest pains which might indicate gas. During the night of the 29th January he committed suicide. His was a gallant record. He was 38 years of age, had served for 20 years in the Worcesters, fought continuously in the field from 1915 to 1918, had been awarded the Military Medal and promoted through all the ranks from Private to Company Sergeant Major. He was buried in Amblecote church Cemetery