Nicolson VC
by Richard Taylor
After a determined display of courage for which he was awarded the Victoria Cross, Flight Lieutenant James Brindley Nicolson finally exits his burning 249 Squadron Hurricane after downing a Bf110 over the Solent, 16 August 1940. On patrol leading a flight of Hurricanes from 249 Squadron to intercept Luftwaffe raiders approaching Southampton, Flight Lieutenant James Nicolson was severely injured when he fell victim to a Bf109. Angry at being caught, but with his aircraft's engine shot to pieces, petrol tank ablaze, he was battling to exit the doomed machine when he glimpsed a Bf110 about to cross his path. Although the Hurricane's cockpit was now on fire and the heat intense, he gave chase, got the Bf110 in his sights and opened fire, sending the enemy fighter into a fatal dive. Only then did he manage to bale out, but it would take months for his wounds to recover. It had been Nicolson's first combat mission, but a memorable one - for his actions that day he was awarded the Victoria Cross, Britain's highest award for gallantry. He was the only Battle of Britain pilot and the only pilot of RAF Fighter Command to receive that decoration. His Victoria Cross citation reads: 'The King has been graciously pleased to confer the Victoria Cross on the undermentioned officer in recognition of most conspicuous bravery: - Flight Lieutenant James Brindley NICOLSON (39329) - No. 249 Squadron During an engagement with the enemy near Southampton on 16th August 1940, Flight Lieutenant Nicolson's aircraft was hit by four cannon shells, two of which wounded him whilst another set fire to the gravity tank. When about to abandon his aircraft owing to flames in the cockpit he sighted an enemy fighter. This he attacked and shot down, although as a result of staying in his burning aircraft he sustained serious burns to his hands, face, neck and legs. Flight Lieutenant Nicolson has always displayed great enthusiasm for air fighting and this incident shows that he possesses courage and determination of a high order. By continuing to engage the enemy after he had been wounded and his aircraft set on fire, he displayed exceptional gallantry and disregard for the safety of his own life.' |
| Overall size: 20" x 22¾" | Available in the following editions |
| 10 | Veteren's edition | With eight Battle of Britain Hurricane pilot signatures including James Nicolson VC | $6495 |
| (The accompanying book also contains the signature of a leading Battle of Britain pilot) |
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Veteran's Edition - Book & Print Portfolio The historical importance of this extremely limited edition is highlighted by the addition of rare original autographs within the conservation matting, including the famous VC recipient depicted and a further seven highly-regarded pilots who flew Hurricanes during that long summer of 1940. Personally signed by the artist and hand numbered, Richard's drawing has been faithfully reproduced as high-quality giclée fine art print on archival paper. Alongside is a completely separate portrait of Nicolson, museum-quality reproduction miniature VC and RAF brevet badge, |
| The signatures | |
| Wing Commander James Nicolson VC DFC (29 April 1917 - 2 May 1945) Flying with No.249 Squadron and credited with 1 victory during the Battle of Britain James Nicolson was the only pilot from RAF Fighter Command to be awarded the Victoria Cross during World War II. |
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| Wing Commander Tom Neil DFC* AFC AE Flew Hurricanes with No.249 Squadron during the Battle of Britain flying a total of 141 combat missions. |
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| Group Captain John Peel DFC DSO Flying Hurricanes with No.145 Squadron John Peel was credited with firing the first shots of the Battle of Britain. |
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| Group Captain Frank 'Chota' Carey CBE DFC** AFC DFM Frank flew Hurricanes with No.3 Squadron during the Battle of Britain accounting for 9 enemy aircraft destroyed, 3 probables, 1 damaged. |
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| Wing Commander Paul FarnesDFM AE Flew Hurricanes with No.501 Squadron claiming 5 enemy aircraft victories during the Battle of Britain. |
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| Squadron Leader Jocelyn Millard Converting to Hurricanes in September 1940 Jocelyn flew with No.1 and 242 Squadrons during the Battle of Britain. |
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| Squadron Leader Doug Nicholls DFC Converting to Hurricanes in September 1940 Doug flew with No.85, 242 and 151 Squadrons during the Battle of Britain sharing in 1 enemy aircraft victory. |
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| Wing Commander Tim Elkington Flying Hurricanes with No.1 Squadron during the Battle of Britain, Tim achieved 1 aerial victory before being shot down by Luftwaffe Ace Helmut Wick. |
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