Lot 4221

Description

New Zealand. Military Medal (GVIR). 28526 L/Cpl R.W.Nicol 2 NZEF 45. Impressed. Very fine.

28526 L/Cpl Robert William Nicol. 8th N.Z. Field Company New Zealand Engineers W.I.A.25Sep1944 Italy. Granted an immediate MM. MM LG 10May1945 'On the night of 28/29 Jul 44, L/Cpl Nicol was in command of a sapper party clearing mines from tracks and roads leading north from Cerbaia to enable tanks and support weapons to follow close behind the leading infantry. L/Cpl Nicol carried out his duties in a fearless and efficient manner working through country covered by enemy mortar and machine gun fire, leading his mine clearing parties searching for anti personnel mines and trip wires and inspiring confidence in his men. When the mine clearing task was finished L/Cpl Nicol placed his section under cover and reported to the Infantry Headquarters to which he was attached. While he was there a counterattack developed and L/Cpl Nicol returned, collected his men and brought them to a house held by our infantry. he then acquired a Bren gun and took up a position at one of the windows and when driven from there by enemy fire he fought from another window. The enemy threw hand grenades, but though shaken by blast L/Cpl Nicol was not deterred from carrying on till the counterattack was repelled. During the whole night while leading his sappers and when fighting with the infantry, though he had been working for forty eight hours L/Cpl Nicol displayed outstanding qualities. His leadership, devotion to duty and complete disregard of personal safety under fire was of the highest order and the culminating point of several years excellent service as a soldier'. Together with thirty seven pages of paperwork, including photocopy of MM recommendation.