The Nicholas Family at War

Stratford Historical Society has started research on its Nicholas Collection. In this photograph Hilda Rix and Major George Nicholas leave Buckingham Palace on 4 October 1916 after the presentation of his DSO. On 7 October they were married. On the following Monday he returned to service.

Major Nicholas was killed in action in France on November 14 1916.

George Nicholas (and four of his brothers) enlisted while his parents were living at Trafalgar in Gippsland.

Hilda Rix was a prominent artist, and following the death of her husband, painted many gloomy wartime photographs.

This is her sketch of her husband, two days after their wedding, as he left for the Front. Similar sketches of his brothers are also held, along with other material.