A British Empire Medal to Flight Sergeant Nicholson RCAF

GRI (2460 FLT. SGT. JAMES A. NICHOLSON R.C.A.F.). Naming is engraved. Original ribbon, dark patina, extremely fine.Footnote: 2460 Flight Sergeant James Allen Nicholson, Royal Canadian Air Force was born in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, on August 10, 1917. He was educated in Calgary, Alberta and Vancouver, British Columbia and was a member of the Cadet Corps, Alberta Military Institute, Calgary (1930-1933). He had previous service with the 68th Battery, Canadian Field Artillery (December 13, 1934 to February 12, 1936) and the Seaforth Highlanders (February 13, 1936 to June 1938) and was a Policeman in civil life. Nicholson enlisted with the RCAF at Vancouver on June 10, 1938, at the age of 20, as a Fitter (Aero Engines) and was posted to the Technical Training School, Camp Borden, Ontario, proceeding there by rail. He was graded as Fitter “C” (March 20, 1939), promoted Aircraftman 1st Class (April 29, 1939), was graded as Aero Engine Mechanic “C” (October 1, 1939), graded as Aero Engine Mechanic “B” and promoted to Leading Aircraftman (October 13, 1939). He was transferred to the Central Flying School in Trenton, Ontario on January 20, 1940, where he was promoted to Corporal (February 1, 1940) and to Sergeant (October 14, 1940). He later saw postings to No.3 Repair Depot in Vancouver (December 12, 1941), to No.2 Flying Instructor School in Vulcan, Alberta (August 4, 1942), with the unit later moving to Pearce, Alberta in April 1943, where he also a promoted to Flight Sergeant (March 1, 1943), to No.17 SFTS, Souris, Manitoba (January 21, 1945), to Composite Training School, Toronto (February 28, 1945) and then taken on strength of No.6 Repair Depot in Trenton (April 2, 1945). Nicholson was cited for his BEM in the Supplement to the London Gazette on January 1, 1946, page 145, the award effective January 1, 1946 as per the Canada Gazette of that date and AFRO 82/46, dated January 25, 1946. Nicholson was first recommended for the BEM on July 12, 1944 by S/L W.E. Jamison, No.2 Flying Instructor School: "This non-commissioned officer is in charge of the Repair Squadron at this unit and it is very largely owing to his keenness and qualities of leadership that this section has operated so efficiently and smoothly during the past fourteen months. He has at all times been a source of inspiration and an excellent example to junior airmen, always assisting them in every possible manner to become more efficient and capable in their trade." G/C J.B. Harvey added his own remarks on July 13, 1944: "As senior Non-Commissioned Officer in Maintenance Wing, Flight Sergeant Nicholson has shown outstanding qualities of leadership and understanding. He has inspired all personnel under him to give their best to the war effort. He stands out unmistakedly both as an NCO and in personal qualities." This was endorsed on August 21, 1944 by A/V/