Harry Nicholls was 25 years old, and a Lance Corporal in the 3rd Bn., Grenadier Guards, during the Second World War when the following deed took place for which he was awarded the VC.

His citation reads:

On 21 May 1940 near the River Escaut, Belgium, Lance-Corporal Nicholls, although suffering from shrapnel wounds in his arm, continued to lead his section in a counter-attack against overwhelming opposition. He advanced over a ridge and when the position became critical, he rushed forward, putting three enemy machine-guns out of action. He then attacked massed enemy infantry beyond a second ridge until his ammunition ran out and he was taken prisoner.

Nicholls was presented with the VC ribbon by Germans whilst he was a Prisoner of War in Poland.

Lance Corporal Harry Nichols, VC

He was born in Nottingham on 21 April 1915 and died on 11 September 1975 in Leeds. His grave is at Southern Cemetery, Nottingham.

His Victoria Cross is displayed at the Grenadier Guards Regimental Headquarters, Wellington Barracks, London, England.