Born in Lincoln, Nicholas was a carpenter when he volunteered for service abroad with the New Zealand Expeditionary Force (NZEF) during the First World War.

Private Nicholas, who was one of a Lewis gun section, had orders to form a defensive flank to the right of the advance, which was checked by heavy machine-gun and rifle fire from an enemy strong-point.

His exceptional valour and coolness throughout the operations afforded an inspiring example to all.The advance resumed but ground to a halt 140 metres (150 yd) short of the chateau where the New Zealanders established a new front line.

[3] Shortly afterwards, the New Zealand Division was withdrawn from the Ypres sector for a rest,[9] but it was recalled when the Germans launched their Spring Offensive.

[11] In July Nicholas was sent to England where he was presented with his VC by King George V at an investiture at Buckingham Palace,[1] having been promoted to sergeant the previous month.

[12] During the Hundred Days Offensive that commenced later in the year, he was awarded the Military Medal (MM) for actions performed in late September to early October during operations on Welsh and Bon Avis Ridges.

[13] Nicholas' VC was presented to his mother by Colonel A. Chaffey, the commander of the Canterbury Military District, in a private ceremony held at her home on Anzac Day, 25 April 1919.

[4] Also in the city, a bronze statue with biographical details of Nicholas was erected on the banks of the Avon River on 7 March 2007, near the Bridge of Remembrance.

[4] In September 2008, a plaque in memory of Nicholas was unveiled by the community of Zonnebeke and the New Zealand Embassy in Brussels, near Geluveld, just southwest of the area where he won the VC.