16508, Lance Corporal, Harry Thomas Frederick NICHOLLS
Aged 20
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Born in Q1-1895 in Newmarket [Newmarket 3b:542], registered as Henry Thomas Frederick NICHOLLS, 2nd son of George William and Rose NICHOLLS (believed to be
née FORDHAM) of Queen Street, Newmarket.
1901 census...'Tom' Henry Thomas [6] was at Queens Street, Newmarket with his father George [37], a tailor born Newmarket; his mother Rose [35] born Newmarket and brothers James [16] breadmaker and George [3] and sisters Elizabeth [15]; Susannah [13]; Ellen [10] and Annie [8]. All were born in Newmarket. His father died in 1907. 1911 census...Now Thomas [16] an errand boy was at 5 Hilton Cottages, Queens Street, Newmarket with his widowed mother; brother George; sister Elizabeth; a new sister, Sophy [8] and nephew Edward NICHOLLS [10 months]. |
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He was reported killed in Newmarket Journal of 14th August 1915, with a statement from Major Dietrich of the German Forces that he was killed between
Friezenburg and Verlorenhoek in Belgium. The Battle of Friezenburg Ridge, in the Ypres Salient, was launched by a fierce bombardment at dawn on the 8th May 1915 by the Germans. Every type of shell in their arsenal seemed to have been used, including gas. The 1st Suffolks, by mid day, had their HQ wiped out,their Colonel, Adjutant and most officers were casualties and the Germans had breached the line, overwhelming the Battalion. Casualties were put at over 400. The following day only 3 officers and 27 men were able to welcome a new draft from Felixstowe at Balloon Wood. 92 of the 1st battalion were recorded as killed on the 8th and none have identified graves He died the same day as another Newmarket man also in 1st Battalion, John Argent. |
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