239767 Mjr. David Nicholls British Army Royal Army Service Corps My father David Nicholls was commissioned by Edward VIII on 15th February as a second lieutenant in the territorials. He saw war service mainly in the Middle East and Africa and after the war was stationed in London.
He married my mother who had served as a Wren during the war in 1946. My father went to Hong Kong. When I was old enough to travel we joined him there. He then was attached to General Templars' staff in Malaysia rising to the rank in 1952 of acting lieutenant colonel. He was awarded the MBE in in 1953. I remember the ceremony well. It took place at Government House Kuala Lumpur.
He returned to Scotland attached to the Black Watch in Perth before going to the records office at Ore Place, Hastings.
He retired from the army and came to New Zealand in 1959. He worked for an engineering firm until he retired in 1976. He died in Auckland in 2002. His funeral was attended by the New Zealand Returned Services Association who gave him generous support in his later years. They played the Last Post and his coffin was covered with a Union Jack. His sword and medals were displayed.
Each year near ANZAC day, I go to my grandson's primary school and tell his story.
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