Diss Express 26th March 1943: "FRAMLINGHAM SQUADRON LEADER’S SUICIDE A verdict that Flight-Lieutenant William Arthur Nicholls (34). formerly schoolmaster, of “The Freehold.” Framlingham, took his life while the balance )f his mind was disturbed, was returned at an inquest in the Home Counties. A Squadron-Leader said that Nicholls was keen and enthusiastic and on his recommendation had been promoted. Nicholls recently had said he was worried about his work as an adjutant, and witness had sent him or. three days’ leave. When returned he was quite heedful but thr.-»? days before his death was again depressed about his work. When asked whether would like to go on leave again or wait, he asked to go later, and it was agreed that on his return they would talk the matter over, with the idea of getting him to a more suitable unit. At 11.45 p.m., March 13th, he went to the tent he shared with Nicholls. who was apparently fast asleep. The next morning, he could not wake Nicholls, and on pulling back the blanket found he had shot himself with revolver. L.-A.-C. Workman, a batman, gave evidence that Nicholls went to bed late in the morning of March 12th. Witness thought he was suffering from his usual stomach trouble. During the afternoon he heard a shot, but thought someone was shooting rabbits. Other officers seated that they had visited Nicholls* tent, and concluded he was sleeping. Police-Sergeant Perkins said Nicholls left no note relevant to the inquiry." |