Nicol, James Lauder
Personal Information
Rank | W/C |
Forename(s) | James Lauder |
Surname | Nicol |
Gender | M |
Age | 27 |
Decorations | DSO |
Date of Death | 19-08-1941 |
Next of Kin | Son of James Lauder Nicol and C. Nicol. Husband of Maisie Stewart Nicol, of Kingston-On-Thames, Surrey. |
Aircraft Information
Aircraft | Bristol Blenheim IV |
Serial Number | V6236 |
Markings | RT-D |
Memorial Information
Burial/Memorial Country | United Kingdom |
Burial/Memorial Place | Runnymede Memorial |
Grave Reference | Panel 28. |
Epitaph |
IBCC Memorial Information
Phase | 2 |
Panel Number | 219 |
Enlistment Information
Service Number | 37686 |
Service | Royal Air Force |
Group | 3 |
Squadron | 114 (Hong Kong) |
Trade | Pilot |
Country of Origin | United Kingdom |
Other Memorials
Location | Adjacent to former MQ Site, West Raynham, Norfolk |
Country | United Kingdom |
Memorial Type | Brick Memorial, Inscribed Slate Tablets and Concrete Plinth |
Memorial Text | Dedicated to the memory of all who served at West Raynham, military and civilian of all ranks 1939 - 1994 |
Miscellaneous Information
Another in the long line of 2 Group squadron COs lost in action |
DSO Citation, London Gazette, 12 September 1944: "On the morning of 12th August, 1941, Blenheim bombers carried out simultaneous attacks on the great power stations near Cologne. A strong force attacked the station at Knapsack, whilst a smaller force attacked two stations at Quadrath. These missions involved a flight of some 250 miles over enemy territory, which was carried out at an altitude of 100 feet. At Knapsack the target was accurately bombed and machine gunned from between 200 and 800 feet and at Quadrath both power stations were hit from the height of the chimneys; the Turbine House at one of the two stations was left a mass of flames and smoke. The success of this combined daylight attack and the co-ordination of the many formations of aircraft depended largely on accurate timing throughout the flight. That complete success was achieved, despite powerful opposition from enemy ground and air forces, is a high tribute to the calm courage and resolute determination displayed by the following officers and airmen, who participated, in various capacities as leaders and members of the aircraft crews". |
Casualty Pack Number Find Out More
AIR 81/8439 (P361525/41) |
Commonwealth War Graves Commission
The National Archives
Record of Events (Operational Record Book) AIR 27/882/36 |
Summary of Events (Operational Record Book) AIR 27/882/35 |
Fellow Servicemen
Last Operation Information
Start Date | 19-08-1941 |
End Date | 19-08-1941 |
Takeoff Station | West Raynham |
Day/Night Raid | Day |
Operation | Anti-shipping patrol |
Reason for Loss | Shot down by fighters |