Al Prodgers

On the 18th June 1940, Churchill remarked: “The Battle of France is over. I expect that the Battle of Britain is about to begin.” It lasted for months, but today is observed as Battle of Britain Day: the climax, when the Luftwaffe tried to break Fighter Command over London and failed. Many heroes defended the skies of Britain during this time, but one sticks out to me today: a 23-year-old who was the only member of Fighter Command to receive the Victoria Cross. This is the story of a true hero and a true gentleman, Flight Lieutenant James Brindley Nicolson. A Hurricane pilot with 249 Squadron, flying from Boscombe Down. His aircraft was hit by four cannon shells while defending Britain from the might of the German Luftwaffe. Two shells wounded him. Another set the gravity tank on fire setting the cockpit alight in flames. His hands, face, neck and legs were burning. He was about to bail out when a Messerschmitt slid across his sights. Nicolson climbed back into the seat, held the throttle open with a hand that was already on fire, and kept firing until the enemy fighter went down. Only then did he leave the aircraft. He later recalled shouting, “I’ll teach you some manners, you Hun.” He was the only fighter pilot in the Battle of Britain - and the only member of Fighter Command in the entire war - to receive the Victoria Cross. When he was told of the award, he wired his wife: “Darling, just got VC. Don’t know why.” Part of his citation read: “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.” A young husband. A fighter. A gentleman who thought he had only done his duty. Truly the best of us. Here’s to James Nicolson, a true gentleman. 🍻