James Brindley Nicolson facts for kids

Quick facts for kids James Brindley Nicolson
Flight Lieutenant Nicolson (centre) while recuperating from wounds after his VC action, November 1940
Born	(1917-04-29)29 April 1917 Hampstead, London
Died	2 May 1945(1945-05-02) (aged 28) Bay of Bengal
Allegiance	United Kingdom
Service/branch	Royal Air Force
Years of service	1936–1945
Rank	Wing Commander
Service number	39329
Unit	No. 72 Squadron No. 249 Squadron
Commands held	No. 27 Squadron
Battles/wars	Second World War European air campaign Battle of Britain Pacific War   †
Awards	Victoria Cross Distinguished Flying Cross

James Brindley Eric Nicolson (born April 29, 1917 – died May 2, 1945) was a brave fighter pilot and leader in the Royal Air Force during World War Two. He received the Victoria Cross, which is the highest award for bravery given to British and Commonwealth soldiers. He earned this award in August 1940 for his amazing actions during the Battle of Britain.

Early Life of James Nicolson

James Brindley Eric Nicolson was born in Hampstead, London, on April 29, 1917. He went to school at Yardley Court and Tonbridge School. In 1935, Nicolson started working as an engineer at Ricardo Engines. A year later, in 1936, he joined the Royal Air Force (RAF). After his training, he joined No. 72 Squadron in 1937. Later, in 1940, he moved to No. 249 Squadron.

Bravery in World War Two

A British Hawker Hurricane, like the one Nicolson flew during the Battle of Britain in 1940.

Nicolson was 23 years old and a flight lieutenant in No. 249 Squadron when he earned the Victoria Cross. This happened during World War Two. On August 16, 1940, he took off from RAF Boscombe Down near Salisbury.

During a flight, Nicolson's Hawker Hurricane plane was attacked. It was likely hit by a German Messerschmitt Bf 109. His engine was damaged, and his fuel tank caught fire. As he tried to escape his burning plane, he saw another enemy Messerschmitt.

Despite the danger, he got back into his seat. He pressed the firing button and kept shooting until the enemy plane crashed. Only then did he bail out of his own plane. He managed to open his parachute in time and landed safely in a field. As he came down, members of the Home Guard fired at him. They did not realize he was an RAF pilot, even though he shouted to them.

Remembering a Hero

Eurofighter Typhoon ZK349, painted in World War Two colors, with Nicolson's squadron number, at Royal International Air Tattoo 2015.

In 2015, the RAF honored Nicolson. They repainted a modern Eurofighter Typhoon jet, named ZK349, in World War Two colors. They also added Nicolson's squadron number, GN-A, to the jet. This was done to mark the 75th anniversary of the Battle of Britain.