John Nichols (British Army officer) facts for kids

Brigadier John Sebastian Nichols (born 5 July 1896 – died 7 February 1954) was a brave British Army officer. He fought in two major global conflicts: World War I and the Second World War. During World War II, he was famous for leading the 50th (Northumbrian) Infantry Division in important battles like the Second Battle of El Alamein and the Tunisian campaign.

Early Life and World War I

Nichols was born in Markington, England, on July 5, 1896. His father was a church leader. Nichols went to Eton College, a famous school.

Soon after World War I began in 1914, he joined the British Army. He became a junior officer in the Lincolnshire Regiment. He quickly moved up the ranks, becoming a lieutenant in 1915 and a captain in 1916.

He served on the Western Front for most of the war. This is where he earned his nickname, "Crasher." He was wounded twice. In 1918, he received the Military Cross (MC) for his bravery. This award is given for acts of courage during battle.

His Bravery in 1918

The award citation for his Military Cross said he showed "conspicuous gallantry and able leadership." This was during an attack on October 17, 1918. He led his company under heavy enemy fire. He also gathered scattered soldiers and reorganized their lines. He played a big part in a successful second attack on a strongly held village.

Between the World Wars

After World War I ended, Nichols decided to stay in the army. He joined the Indian Army for a short time. There, he fought in the Waziristan campaign and earned another award. This was a Bar to his Military Cross, meaning he received the award a second time.

In 1922, he returned to the British Army. He attended the Staff College, Camberley from 1930 to 1931. This college trains officers for important leadership roles.

After his training, he worked in physical training for the army. He was promoted to major in 1936. In 1935, he became a brigade major with the 13th Infantry Brigade. He was sent to Palestine during the Arab revolt there. From 1938 to 1940, he taught at a military school in Egypt.

Second World War Hero

During the Second World War, Nichols was part of a special group called Habforce. This group helped end the Anglo-Iraqi War. He then led the 1st Battalion, Essex Regiment. They fought in Operation Crusader in November 1941.

In 1942, he took command of the 151st Infantry Brigade. Later that year, he became a major-general and led the 10th Indian Infantry Division.

Leading the 50th Division

From July 1942, Major General Nichols became the leader of the 50th (Northumbrian) Infantry Division. He led them in very important battles. These included the First Battle of El Alamein and the famous Second Battle of El Alamein in late 1942. He also led them in the Tunisian campaign, including the Battle of the Mareth Line in March 1943.

After the Mareth Line battle, he was replaced as commander. Even though his division faced a tough plan, he was still held responsible for their performance. He was later mentioned in official reports twice for his service in the Middle East.

Later Commands

After this, he commanded the 182nd Infantry Brigade in the United Kingdom from 1943. He became a temporary brigadier. From March to July 1945, he also led the Special Allied Airborne Reconnaissance Force. In August 1945, he took command of the 114th Infantry Brigade.

After the War

John Nichols retired from the army in 1948. He had reached the rank of brigadier. He passed away on February 7, 1954, in Aldershot, England, at the age of 57. He was remembered as a brave and honorable soldier.