NICHOLS, Alexander Charles
| Service Number: | 7298 |
|---|---|
| Enlisted: | 17 December 1912 |
| Last Rank: | Petty Officer |
| Last Unit: | HMAS Penguin (IV) 1939-1940/HMAS Brisbane 1940-1942/HMAS Moreton (I) 1942-1994 (Depot) |
| Born: | Petries Creek, Caboolture, Qld., 1 June 1893 |
| Home Town: | Willoughby, Willoughby, New South Wales |
| Schooling: | Not yet discovered |
| Occupation: | Machinist and Joiner |
| Died: | Woody Point, Redcliffe, Qld., 28 November 1970, aged 77 years, cause of death not yet discovered |
| Cemetery: |
Redcliffe Cemetery, Qld Alexander Charles Nichols was cremated at Albany Creek Crematorium. Interment - Grave Location: 3/H/6, Monumental-Section 3/Row H/Plot 6; buried with: Mary Bellinger. |
| Memorials: | Ballarat Australian Ex-Prisoners of War Memorial |
World War 2 Service
| 17 Dec 1912: | Enlisted Royal Australian Navy, Petty Officer, 7298, HMAS Penguin (IV) 1939-1940/HMAS Brisbane 1940-1942/HMAS Moreton (I) 1942-1994 (Depot) | |
|---|---|---|
| 21 Aug 1945: | Discharged Royal Australian Navy, Petty Officer, 7298, HMAS Penguin (IV) 1939-1940/HMAS Brisbane 1940-1942/HMAS Moreton (I) 1942-1994 (Depot) |
World War 1 Service
| Date unknown: | Involvement Able Seaman, 7298, HMAS AE2 (Submarine) |
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Help us honour Alexander Charles Nichols's service by contributing information, stories, and images so that they can be preserved for future generations.
Add my storyBiography contributed by Faithe Jones
Son of George and Alice NICHOLS
Of 33 Berry Street, Brisbane, Qld.
Husband of Eva NICHOLS
Of 69 Mabel St., Willoughby, NSW
After leaving school he was employed as a machinist and joined the Australian Naval Force 05 December 1910 signing on for a five year engagement commencing 01 June 1911. Consent for him to join was given by his parents.
Enlisted in RAN 17 December 1912
Served on Submarine 01 January 1915 - 30 June 1915
Prisoner of War in Turkey
After capture he was imprisoned in a number of different camps. He was one of the few Rating Prisoners to attempt an escape. Together with Able Seaman Henry Wheat he made an escape bid on 12 August 1916 and remained at large for a week before they gave themselves up. After a bout of illness Nichols was transferred to the San Stefano Prison near Constantinople where the prisoners were required to work for the Germans. While a Prisoner of War, Alexander Nichols was advanced to Leading Seaman on 01 January 1918.
After release from imprisonment at the end of 1918 he made his way back to England via Malta, Taranto and Paris to London.
In early 1919 he was married to Eva A C BELLINGER in Portsmouth.
After recuperation he returned to Australia 25 March 1919 per 'HMAS PLATYPUS'
Discharged on 19 December 1919
He joined Royal Australian Fleet Reserve 13 June 1939 and was recalled for service during WWII.
Discharged 21 August 1945
Died 28 November 1970 at Woody Point, near Brisbane.
Buried Albany Creek Crematorium
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