Son of Bert William and Edith Annie Nicholson of Ingersoll; husband of Mary Bernice (nee Haziett) Nicholson, of 61 Elizabeth St., Chatham, Ontario. The father of Sharon and Robert. 

William joined the army 4/09/1940 enlisting with the Oxford Rifles. He trained at Woodstock, Camp Shilo, MB. and BTC No.12, Chatham where he was stationed for nearly three years. In September of 1943 he was sent overseas.

The CDN 22/07/44 reported that Pte. William E. Nicholson was reported “MIA 8 July, 1944. At the time he was serving in the Lincoln and Welland Regt. He had gone into France on D-Day. A letter written on 6 July stated that he was in the best of health.

The CDN Aug.44 reported that “Missing Man Safe and Well” beginning with a notification received by his wife Mary Bernice that her was MIA 8 July, 1944 in France. Confusion began when she had received a letter from he husband dater 7 July and a telegram that was also dated 7/07/44 

Mary was sure her husband was not missing and there must be some mistake so she wrote a letter to the military authorities with the information that she had received. Much to her joy three days later she received a telegram and letter from William, which told her he had suffered a slight shrapnel wounds. He mentioned that he had been ‘out of the line’ for a short time and had been reported missing. CDN 13/09/44(P 

The CDN 19/10/44(P) reported that Sgt. William Edmond was officially reported killed in action in France on 6 October, 1944. He had been reported MIA 8 July. A later message received by his wife Mary stating that he was alive and well. 

After receiving this news Mary again wrote to the minister of National Defence asking that his matter be investigated. After the investigation she received the cable she had been waiting for:

“Minister of National Defence is pleased to inform you that Pte. William Edmond Nicholson who was previously reported missing in actions now officially reported safe.  Director of Records” 

Age: 22, KIA – Date of Death: 06/10/1944, in Belgium.  

Cemetery: ADEGEM CANADIAN WAR CEMETERY – Belgium.

 Rank: Sgt., A/56922,  Regiment: Canadian Scottish Regiment, R.C.I.C. 

 

 

 

 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Sources	City of Chatham Roll of Honour at McGeorge Bldg., Chatham, ON., CWGC. Index of Overseas Deaths., CDN(2), Wifes-Obit, CFF-FD44
Supplemental Information	Age: 22, KIA - Date of Death: 06/10/1944, in Belgium. Casualty Type: Commonwealth War Dead, Grave/Memorial Reference: VIII. F. 2. Cemetery: ADEGEM CANADIAN WAR CEMETERY - Belgium.

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