James Brindley Nicolson
| Eric James Brindley Nicolson | |
|---|---|
Flt.-Lt. Nicolson (centre) while recuperating from wounds after his VC action, November 1940
|
|
| Born |
29 April 1917 Hampstead, London |
| Died | 2 May 1945 (aged 28) Bay of Bengal |
| Allegiance |
 United Kingdom
|
| Service/branch |
 Royal Air Force
|
| Years of service | 1936–45 † |
| Rank |
 Wing Commander
|
| Service number | 39329 |
| Unit | |
| Commands held | No. 27 Squadron |
| Awards |
Victoria Cross Distinguished Flying Cross |
Wing Commander Eric James Brindley Nicolson VC DFC (29 April 1917 – 2 May 1945) was an English recipient of the Victoria Cross, the highest and most prestigious award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces.
Eric James Brindley Nicolson was born in Hampstead, London in 1917, and was educated at Yardley Court and Tonbridge School. In 1935 Nicolson began working as an engineer, and in 1936 he joined the Royal Air Force, with the Service No 39329. After his training he joined No. 72 Squadron in 1937 and later moved to No. 249 Squadron in 1940.
Nicolson was 23 years old and a flight lieutenant in No. 249 Squadron, during the Second World War when he was awarded the Victoria Cross. On 16 August 1940 near Southampton, Nicolson's Hawker Hurricane was fired on by a Messerschmitt Bf 110, injuring the pilot in one eye and one foot. His engine was also damaged and the petrol tank set alight. As he struggled to leave the blazing machine he saw another Messerschmitt, and managing to get back into the bucket seat, pressed the firing button and continued firing until the enemy plane dived away to destruction. Not until then did he bail out, and he was able to open his parachute in time to land safely in a field. On his descent, he was fired on by members of the Home Guard, who ignored his cry of being a RAF pilot.
...
Wikipedia