Henry Arthur Nicholls was born 19 February 1895, Birmingham.
Son of James Nicholls.
He was educated Highfield Road School and initially worked as a machinist.
29 June 1913 he married Helen (née Ware) at St.Stephen's Church, Walworth. They lived at 178, Westmoreland Road, Walworth.
Henry enlisted 30 June 1910 in the Coldstream Guards.
Come the war Henry was called up and went to the Front with his Regiment. He served through the retreat from Mons (incl. Landrecies, Le Grand Fayt and Villers-Cotterets), and the battles of Marne, Aisne, First Ypres - all the severe fighting from 20 October to 20 November 1914.
By November the Guards had occupied trenches dug on a hill full of natural springs and proved impossible to drain; they were constantly full of water above for knee for 23 days.
A gale on 2 November 1914 cleared every particle of cover from the trees having all been pierced through by shrapnel and bullets. Hand grenades thrown at them were on did not always explode, so they picked them up and hurled back again.
On 20 November the Guards were with withdrawn from the line for a short rest.
Ultimately Henry died of wounds received in action at La Bassée. He was buried in Cuinchy Churchyard.
8777 Pvt Henry Arthur Nicholls 8777 2nd Bn Coldstream Guards.
31 January 1915
Sources: Du Ruvigny's, The Western Front Association Pension Ledgers & Cards digital archive on Fold3 by Ancestry, The Commonwealth War Grave Commission at Cuinchy Cemetery; Exploring London.