Nicolson VC by Richard Taylor

Only TEN print & book portfolios are available worldwide – the first time we have ever offered an edition featuring an original James Nicolson signature!

Since 1975 the Military Gallery, Richard's exclusive publisher, has been signing with and collecting original autographs of the men who took part in WWII. This is however, the very first time the Military Gallery has ever offered Nicolson's signature. He has become possibly the most famous of all pilots to take part in the Battle of Britain and having passed away in May 1945, it's easy to understand why his autograph is so hard to come by and this quantity has taken a number of years to source.

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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 and 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 bail 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.'

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.

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.

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.

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 and 1 damaged.

Wing Commander PAUL FARNES DFM AE - Flew Hurricanes with No.501 Squadron claiming 5 enemy aircraft victories during the Battle of Britain.

Squadron Leader JOCELYN MILLARD - Converting to Hurricanes in September 1940 Jocelyn flew with No.1 and 242 Squadrons during the Battle of Britain.

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.

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.

Completing each portfolio is a matching-numbered copy of the book NICOLSON VC - the full and authorized biography by author Peter D. Mason who presents a compelling and in-depth account of the popular pilot and leader. Each copy includes an exclusive bookplate signed by one of the most highly-regarded Hurricane pilots to take part in the Battle of Britain:

Wing Commander GEOFFREY PAGE DSO OBE DFC* - Geoffrey flew with No.56 Squadron during the Battle of Britain claiming 2.5 victories before being shot down over the English Channel in August 1940.