Albert Ernest Nicholls and crew of HD329

This story and photos are shared by the Trust with kind permission from Ali Chaudhry, Second World War Historian based in Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Just before midnight the 18th August 1944 crews of 98 Squadron took off on a Flare Dropping mission over the Falaise area, to support Mosquito bombing operations. The Falaise “Pocket” was getting smaller and smaller and the battle of Normandy would be over by the 30th of August.

Amongst them was Mitchell MK II, HD329, flown by Flight Lieutenant Alick Mewa. His fellow crew members were FO Laxman Shripad Ajrekar, WO Albert Ernest Nicholls and WO Frank Fenn Pitt. But the Squadron's Operation Record Book (ORB) for the day records the fact that “FLt Mewa and Crew failed to return”. There were reports of heavy Flak, although inaccurate, over Trouville and Mezidon which are en-route to the Falaise area. The entry on the ORB further stated “F/L Mewa was considered to be a first class pilot and his crew were also considered to be very efficient”.

This is the story of one of the crew.

Albert Ernest Nicholls, Air Gunner

Albert Ernest Nicholls was born in April 1921 in Newport, Monmouthshire, Wales, to William Donald Nicholls (1900-1970) and Caroline Annie Elson (1897-1967). He had a younger sister, Phyllis Doreen (1923-1990).

In 1921, Albert’s 21-year-old father, William, was listed as an out-of-work electrician's helper. In 1942, Albert’s younger sister, Phyllis, married Ernest George Heard – they later had two children.

During the Second World War, Albert served as an Air Gunner with the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, stationed in Dunsfold, Surrey, England. On 19 August 1944, Albert and his crew were reported missing in action while dropping flares in support of Mosquito Intruder Operations over the Falaise area in northern France. They were lost without a trace.

Albert is commemorated on Panel 214 of the Runnymede Memorial in Surrey.

British Normandy Memorial - Additional Information

You can read the stories about the other crew members here:

Flt Lt Alick 'Vivian' Mewa

Flt Lt Laxman Shripad Ajrekar

WO Frank Fenn Pitt

Unfortunately, we do not have a photo of Albert Nicholls. If you are aware of one or you are related to Albert we would love to hear from you so we can add to his story.