Private James Nicole
2nd Battalion, AIF
Service Number: 4256
Born: 24 March 1899, St Marys, NSW
Died: 3 July 1916, Armentieres, France
James (Jim) Otho Henry Nicole was born in St Marys on 24 March 1899 to Otho and Mary Nicole. His father was a bookkeeper with Neale Bros in High Street and auditor for St Marys Municipal Council. Soon after his birth, the family moved to Penrith. His mother Mary Jane, the youngest daughter of James and Jane Bennett of St Marys, died in Penrith in 1902, aged 28 years. Nicole attended Penrith Superior Public School and received his Qualifying Certificate in January 1914. After his schooling Nicole worked as a clerk.
When Nicole enlisted on 9 September 1915 he stated his age was 18, however he was just 16 years and 5 months. His unit embarked from Sydney on the HMAT Aeneas on 20 December 1915. After a short time in Egypt he was sent to France, disembarking at Marseilles on 28 March 1916. The Nepean Times reported that he spent his 17th birthday at sea enroute to France.
Nicole was killed in action on 3 July at Armentieres aged 17 years and 3 months. His father received his possessions which included identity disc, watch, match box, purse, coins, wallet, photos, ring engraved “Jim”, fountain pen, box of letters. Otho Nicole died in 1953.
Memorial Details:
- Erquinghem-Lys Churchyard Extension, France
- Honor Roll, Memory Park, Penrith
- Honor Roll, St Stephens Church of England
- Honor Roll, Penrith Superior Public School
- Commemoration plaque, St Mary Magdalene Churchyard
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