Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

Thomas and Janet Nicholson had a daughter, Jean and two sons. Their older son, Murray was born in Maree New South Wales on the 23rd May 1915. The younger son, Colin was born three years later on the 23rd November 1919 at Strathalbyn, also in NSW. The Nicholson family later moved to the Adelaide suburb of Prospect.
Post school, Colin worked as a junior Radio Mechanic but had also been part of the militia in the 27th Battalion. Although the younger of Janet’s two sons, 20-year-old Colin was the first to enlist on 24th June, ’40 soon after the outbreak of WWII. He was allocated the number SX6616 with the 2/43rd battalion. Having enlisted at Wayville, his training then moved to Woodside in the Adelaide Hills. Perhaps because of his background in the militia, Colin showed early leadership potential so by the time of his Battalion’s arrival in the Middle East in Feb ’41 he was promoted to Corporal, then within a week was Acting Sergeant, before eventually attaining the rank of Sergeant in April ‘41
His older brother, Murray was killed in action in Egypt on the 31st October, 1942 aged 27 as a result of heavy fire. Just two days later, Colin was also killed in action in Egypt on the 2nd November 1942 aged just 22. Initially Colin also was buried in the field but he now rests in the El Alamein War Cemetery in a place of remembrance for those who were killed during the Battle of El Alamein of Western Desert Campaign which claimed so many lives. The two brothers rest there together. The inscription on both graves is in stark contrast to the events surrounding their deaths – ‘Peace Perfect Peace’.
The decimated family placed In Memorium notices to their loved sons, brother and friend:
Advertiser Saturday 21 November 1942, NICHOLSON. —KiIIed in action in Egypt on Oct. 31. Pte. Murray Thomas, beloved eldest son of Mrs. J. B. Nicholson. of Thorngate. and darling brother and brother-in-law of Jean and Leigh, and loving friend of Glory. NICHOLSON. —KiIIed in action In Egypt, Sgt. Colin Scott, dearly beloved youngest son of Mrs. J. B. Nicholson, of Thorngate, and darling brother and brother-in-law of Jean and Leigh.
Advertiser Tuesday 24 November 1942, NICHOLSON. —In loving memory of Murray, killed in action on October 31, in Egypt. —Always remembered by Glory Hutchins.
Advertiser Monday 1 November 1943, NICHOLSON. —In loving memory of Murray and Colin, killed In action. El Alamein, 1942. —Mother. Jim, and Leigh.
Advertiser Thursday 2 November 1944, NICHOLSON. —Cherished memories of Murry (Nick) 2/48th, killed in action El Alamein. Oct. 31. 1942.—Ever remembered by his pal Don Perriam. A tribute to the memory of Paul (Bill) Cashen. Murry (Nick) Nicholson, and boys of the 2/48th Bn. who paid the supreme sacrifice at El Alamein between Oct. 23-31. In silence we remember them. —Inserted by Don, Tank and George.
A lasting tribute to both sons is at the Enfield North Cemetery.
Their mother, Janet lived into her 80’s. She died on the 12th February 1973 and is buried at Centennial Park.
Researched and written by Kaye Lee daughter of Bryan Holmes SX8133 2/48th Battalion.