NICHOLS, John Reginald. Private S/41828, Gordon Highlanders, posted to 1/14th London Regiment London Scottish, killed in action or died of wounds at Bullecourt, 29th August 1918 aged 18. He was born on the 22nd March 1899 to William James and Phoebe, nee Bloor of 41. Heath Park Road, Buxton. He is commemorated on a family memorial in Buxton Cemetery and also on the Vis-En-Artois Memorial, France. Some notes from what remains of his army record. He enlisted on the 1st February 1917 aged 17yrs and 11 months. He gave his occupation as Warehouse Salesman and resided with his parents at The Mount, Devonshire Road, Buxton. His father was named as his next of kin. On the 12th April 1917 he was posted to 2nd Training Battalion at Rugeley Camp, Cannock Chase, Staffordshire and then on the 30th August 1917 transferred to 258th Infantry Battalion. At some stage he was posted to B.E.F, France. On the 10th May 1915 at Arras he was caught sleeping on duty at his post, by Major C J Low, Private 515778 K H Jones and Private 512607 C G Simmons. at about 12 noon on the 10th May 1918 whilst on duty as a sentry in a Lewis Gun post he was found leaning against the side of the trench dozing. (No doubt he hadn't slept properly for a few days) At his Court Martial on the 29th June 1918 he pleaded, Not guilty. The court found him guilty and was sentenced to 42 day F.P.No1. The sentenced quashed the next day 30th,by Major General, H Hulland, 56th Division. Time served under open arrest awaiting trial from the 10th May 1918 to 29th June 1918. On the 29th August 1918 whilst in battle he was missing presumed killed in action or died of his wounds. (His body was never recovered, but who knows he may be found some day).
Field Punishment Number One, often abbreviated to "F.P. No. 1" or even just "No. 1", consisted of the convicted man being placed in fettersand handcuffsor similar restraintsand attached to a fixed object, such as a gun wheel or a fence post, for up to two hours per day. During the early part of World War I, the punishment was often applied with the arms stretched out and the legs tied together, giving rise to the nickname "crucifixion". This was applied for up to three days out of four, up to 21 days total. It was usually applied in field punishment camps set up for this purpose a few miles behind the front line, but when the unit was on the move it would be carried out by the unit itself. It has been alleged that this punishment was sometimes applied within range of enemy fire. During World War1. (In brief, he was sentenced to death by being fixed to a point with no means of escape should his line be attacked)
