Benjamin Ethelbert Nicholls, M.C. & Bar – Canadian Infantry, C.E.F., 20th Battalion

Captain Benjamin Ethelbert Nicholls, M.C. & Bar – Canadian Infantry, C.E.F., 20^th Battalion

Birth and Family Background

Benjamin Ethelbert Nicholls was born in 1892 in Swansea. He was the son of Frederick Edmund Nicholls and Emma Southwell, who were married in 1882 in Carmarthenshire. Only limited official records relating to Benjamin’s early life in Swansea have survived.

Emigration to Canada

In 1914, Benjamin emigrated to Canada, settling in Cobourg, Ontario. Like many recent emigrants, he volunteered for military service soon after the outbreak of the First World War.

Military Service

Attestation Papers

Benjamin enlisted in 1914 and served with the Canadian Infantry, C.E.F., 20^th Battalion. Through active service on the Western Front, he rose through the ranks and was eventually commissioned, attaining the rank of Captain. By 1917–1918, he was frequently performing the duties of a Company Commander.

Award of the Military Cross — September 1917

In September 1917, Benjamin Ethelbert Nicholls was awarded the Military Cross for conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. During a raid, a number of men were left badly wounded in No Man’s Land. In broad daylight, Benjamin went out under enemy fire and succeeded in bringing several wounded men back to safety.

After nightfall, he again advanced to the enemy’s wire, rescuing men whom he had been unable to reach earlier. His exceptional courage and determination were credited with saving many lives.

Award of a Bar to the Military Cross — March 1918

In March 1918, Benjamin was awarded a Bar to the Military Cross, recognising a second act of outstanding gallantry. During an attack on enemy trenches, he led his company with great dash to their objective. When his advance was checked by machine-gun fire and enemy bombers, and despite being wounded himself, he rallied a small party, captured the position, and took four enemy prisoners.

He then organised and led a successful counter-attack, inspiring all ranks by his courageous example, leadership, and tireless energy throughout the operation.

Death in Action

On 8^th May 1918, Captain Benjamin Ethelbert Nicholls, while performing the duties of a Company Commander, was in the front-line trenches west of Fresnoy during an enemy bombardment. During the evening, he was struck by a fragment of shell when it burst on the parados of the trench.

Benjamin died shortly afterwards from his wounds.

Burial and Commemoration

Benjamin Ethelbert Nicholls, is buried at Bellacourt Military Cemetery, Riviere, Pas-de-Calais, France.

His service and decorations mark him as a soldier of exceptional bravery and leadership. From his beginnings in Swansea, through emigration to Canada, to repeated acts of heroism on the Western Front, Benjamin Ethelbert Nicholls stands among the most distinguished of those who gave their lives in the final year of the First World War