Rank: Flight Lieutenant
Unit: No.249 Squadron, RAF
Awarded: 25th November 1940
Nationality: British
The citation in the London Gazette of 15th November, 1940, gives the following details:
During an engagement with the enemy near Southampton on 16th August, 1940, Flight Lieutenant Nicolson's aircraft was hit by four cannon shells, two of which wounded him whilst another set fire to the gravity tank. When about to abandon his aircraft owing to flames in the cockpit, he sighted an enemy fighter. This he attacked and shot down; although as a result of staying in his burning aircraft he sustained serious burns to his hands, face, neck and legs. Flight Lieutenant Nicolson has always displayed great enthusiasm for air fighting and this incident shows that he possesses courage and determination of a high order. By continuing to engage the enemy after he had been wounded and his aircraft set on fire, he displayed exceptional gallantry and disregard for the safety of his own life.
Additional Information
Nicolson was the The Battle of Britain’s only VC.
Also awarded a DFC.
Later promoted to the rank of Wing-Commander.
Nicolson was killed in action near the Bay of Bengal on 2 May 1945.