The children and staff at Sholing Junior School have been working for a number of years to raise public awareness of James Nicolson VC.

(Pictured James Nicolson VC DFC and Martyn King)

Nicolson was flying his Hurricane over the skies of Southampton when he was attacked by a German Messerschmitt which damaged his Hurricane’s engine and fuel tank which burst into flames. As he was leaving the stricken plane, Nicholson saw another Messerschmitt drop into this sights so he returned to his burning cockpit in defence of the City before finally bailing out.

During this action, Nicolson sustained serious injuries, including serious burns to his hands, face, neck and legs. He was blinded in his left eye from a severed eyelid and suffered other wounds to his face. Immediately rushed to St Mary’s Hospital, his life hung in the balance for several days.

It is clear that instead of bailing out of the plane when it was hit, his brave decision to keep fighting in the defence of Southampton was an act of heroism.

For this, Nicolson was the only pilot from Fighter Command to be awarded the VC.

We found out that few people within Southampton and beyond know anything about Nicolson and his act of bravery over the skies of Southampton. As a result, the children from Sholing Junior School, alongside Southampton Solent University and Southampton University, have been granted permission to place an information board within Southampton Guildhall Square to ensure the City rightfully recognises the bravery of Nicolson and his fellow pilots – Heroes of Southampton. This will be placed next to the memorial in Guildhall Square.

This memorial and information board will be designed with the Solent University design team and will be supported by Jim Nicolson, James Nicolson VC’s nephew.

The approximate cost of this important project is £1500

Please can you kindly help us give these brave people the recognition they rightfully deserve.

Any excess money raised will be donated to V.L.A.D. Outreach CIC. A community-driven initiative focused on supporting anyone who might feel overlooked or underserved in our community.

Written by Indigo – aged 10.