On 6 October 1916, the Shipley Times & Express reported: Pte Walter Nicholson of 33 Dale St, Hargreaves Square, Shipley was awarded the DCM. The citation read: “3183 Pte W Nicholson, West Yorkshire Regt – For conspicuous bravery. “The company, in a front line trench, were subject to a heavy bombing attack preceded by heavy jets of liquid fire. “The men withdrew some distance under fire but Pte Nicholson remained at his post, held back the enemy by continuous bombing until his party returned, thus preventing the enemy gaining a foothold in the trenches.” Somme This brave act, we understand, was performed during the recent Great Push near the Somme. During the course of these battles, Pte Nicholson was wounded and is now in hospital. He went out with the West Yorks early in the war and served in the trenches in France for some months during last year until invalided home with trench fever.

He ultimately fully recovered and joined up with his regiment to win the much-prized DCM as it were, from his own bat, and add lustre to the famous regiment which he serves The honour is likewise reflected up on the town which sent him. There was a follow up story on 27 April, 1917: Cllr Sir Ellis Denby, Thomas Hill, chairman of the District Council, and Mr J A Burton JP have appended their signatures to an appeal to Shipley people with a view to the gallantry of a local soldier being publicly recognised. They write: ‘Some time ago, Pte Walter Nicholson of 33 Dale Street, Shipley, was awarded the DCM for gallantry on the field. ‘The General Officer Commanding-in-Chief is present

him with the medal at Clipstone Camp on Friday next. ‘It is though that some tangible recognition of his gallant conduct might appropriately be made by his fellow townsmen. ‘Nicholson, at the outbreak of war, at once enlisted although only 17 years of age. The London City and Midland Bank, Shipley, and Lloyds Bank, Saltaire, have kindly offered to receive subscriptions. The subscription went ahead and on 28 September, the newspaper reported: A short time ago Sir Ellis Denby of Wycliffe House, Shipley, issued an appeal on behalf of a Shipley soldier, Cpl Walter Nicholson, who had been awarded the D.C.M. A sum of £5 11s 6d (equivalent to

about £250 100 years later) was contributed and this has been forwarded to the brave young soldier. Acknowledging receipt of this gift, Cpl Nicholson said: “Please accept my very best thanks for registered letter and contents which I received this morning. Do my best “I cannot help but appreciate the kindness my friends of Shipley have shown towards me. “When all is said and done I have only done my duty and every British soldier is renowned for that. “Many a good man has done equally the same and has had the misfortune to lose his life. “I have always tried to do my best and shall carry on the same until this bloodshed is over. “If ever it should be my lot to go out to France again, I shall go with a good heart and trust to God for my well-being. “I cannot adequately express my thankfulness for what the Shipley people have done for me. From the bottom of my heart I thank you.”