Muriel Caroline Nicolson, 100, widow of Wing Cdr. James Brindley Nicolson, VC
Michael Rhodes
Tadcaster, Yorkshire, died at Selby, 24 August, 2005, aged 100.
She was the widow of Wing Commander James Brindley Nicolson, VC, DFC,
RAF, 'one of the few', who was killed in action in May, 1945.
Her husband was the only pilot to be awarded the Victoria Cross during
the Battle of Britain.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/north_yorkshire/3239712.stm
http://www.victoriacross.net/subbook.asp?book=66
It was announced in 2003 that Mrs Nicolson was to sell her deceased
husband's mementoes to raise money for her old age.
She had sold her late husband's VC at auction in 1983 for a then world
record of £110,000.
In 2003 she was hoping to raise another £20,000 to £30,000 by selling
logbooks, maps and his uniform at Christie's in London in December of
that year.
The VC was awarded to Flt Lt Nicolson for his bravery in combat with a
Messerschmitt 110 over Southampton on 16 August 1940.
At the time Nicolson was on patrol from Boscombe Down in a Hawker
Hurricane.
The entry in his logbook for 16 August reads, 'Red leader ops
patrol/Shot down 12.55 hrs baled out'. The cool military language
conceals the real story of how he remained in his burning aircraft
despite serious injuries so that he could shoot down a German aircraft
before baling out.
According to the official award citation, he showed 'exceptional
gallantry and disregard for his own life.
'As a result of staying in his burning aircraft he sustained serious
burns to his hands, face, neck and legs.'
Nicolson later recalled: "I couldn't see through my left eye for blood
and my left heel was shattered. I remember shouting 'I'll teach you
some manners, you Hun'."
Nicolson went missing, believed killed, following a flying battle on 2
May 1945.
Mrs Nicolson was predeceased by a son, James.
The funeral service is to take place at St John The Baptist Church,
Kirkby Wharfe, Yorkshire, 1st September, 2005, followed by interment at
Kirkby Wharfe Cemetery.
Source: Daily Telegraph 27 Aug 2005
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