Nicholl | Donald Fitz Roy | | Captain | NICHOLL, DONALD FITZ ROY, Captain, was born in 1872, son of General Thomas Nicholl, Colonel Commandant, Royal Artillery. He entered the Royal Artillery 12 February 1892, and was promoted to Lieutenant 12 February 1895; he served in South Africa from 16 December 1899 to 11 January 1900; as Assistant Disembarkation Staff Officer from 12 January 1900 to 4 July 1900, and he became Captain 1 January 1900. Captain Nicholl was present at operations in the Transvaal in May and June 1900, including actions near Johannesburg, Pretoria and Diamond Hill (11 and 12 June); operations in the Transvaal, west of Pretoria, July to 29 November 1900, including actions at Frederickstad (17 to 25 October). He was mentioned in Despatches [London Gazette, 10 September 1901]; received the Queen's Medal with four clasps, and was created a Companion of the Distinguished Service Order [London Gazette, 27 September 1901]: "Donald Fitz Roy Nicholl, Captain, Royal Garrison Artillery. In recognition of services during the operations in South Africa". The Insignia, Warrant and Statutes were sent to the GOC, Malta, 10 February 1902, and presented on 21 February 1902, by the Commander-in-Chief, Malta. He was Officer, Company of Gentleman Cadets, Royal Military Academy, 8 February 1909 to 7 February 1913; was promoted to Major, 9 August 1912. He served in the European War from 1914; was DAA and QMG, Thames and Medway Defences, 28 November 1914 to 30 June 1916; commanded a Heavy Artillery Group, BEF, France, 1916-18; was promoted to Lieutenant Colonel 1 May 1917. Lieutenant Colonel D F Nicholl married, in 1906, Ethel, daughter of the Reverend Canon Branch, of Trinidad.
Source: DSO recipients (VC and DSO Book) | Royal Garrison Artillery |