15 Sep 2010 • 5,549 views
For Valour
RAF and Commonwealth personnel awarded the Victoria Cross in WWII.
Today is Battle of Britain Day.
Below is the citation for one of these brave men:
Air Ministry.
15 November 1940.
ROYAL AIR FORCE.
The KING has been graciously pleased to confer the Victoria Cross on the undermentioned officer in recognition of most conspicuous bravery : —
Flight Lieutenant James Brindley NICOLSON (39329) — No. 249 Squadron.
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.
"Never in the field of human conflict was so much owed by so many to so few"
Winston Churchill.
One of the Few
Churchill was absolutely right, and this picture and commentary is a wonderful tribute to all the brave men who risked so much in the service of their country..