1889 - 1915

1.  Early Days
2.  West Yorkshire Regiment
3.  Lancers of the Line
4.  British Expeditionary Forces
5.  1914-1915 Home and Abroad
6.  Missing Presumed Dead
7.  In Memorial

The West Yorkshire Regiment

On 28th November 1907, Edward joined the army.

However, not for the first time !! In fact, he would enlist in the Army no fewer than four times in his life. The first time was prior to 1907 when he was subsequently discharged as being under-age. The second time was in 1907, again in 1909 and finally in 1914.

Now, he was old enough, and so was able to enlist. His attestation was provided by P. Addyman, a farmer of Knox, Harrogate, and Edward's employer. He described Edward as being 19 years old, 5 feet 6½ inches in height and with gray eyes and dark brown hair. He stated he had known Edward for 2 years and thought him of perfect character - sober, honest and respectable. He said he knew him to have served in the Volunteers and to be single.

We can probably take from that the fact that Edward was working on Mr. Addyman's farm between 1905 and 1907. The farm was situated on Ripon Road, next to Quarry Lane, just a short distance from where Edward and his family were living.

Some of Mr. Addyman's description is at slight variance with the official version on Edward's Short Service (All Arms) form, but there is no doubt that both descriptions refer to the same person.

Edward specifically requested to be assigned to the West Yorkshire Regiment and the conditions of his enlistment were as follows:

"7 years with the Colours, and 5 years in the Reserve, or, if the man completes his 7 years service with the Colours while beyond the seas, then for a further period, not exceeding one year, with the Colours, and the remainder of the 12 years with the Reserves." 

Details on the Short Service (All Arms) form

(pg.1) click to enlarge	No. 8578       Name Edward Nicholson Corps West Yorkshire 1. What is your name Edward Nicholson 2. In or near what parish were you born  Knaresborough 3. Are you a British subject      Yes 4. What is your age     18 years 7 months 5. What is your trade or calling   Farm labourer 11. Have you ever served in the Army, the Marines, the Militia etc., etc. Yes (West Yorks Regt) discharged under age  15. For what Corps are you willing to be enlisted West Yorkshire Regiment
(pg.2) click to enlarge	Description of Nicholson Charles on Enlistment This page is rather strange. It carries a description of Edward, but the top of the page says: Description of Nicholson Charles on Enlistment Why the name is Charles is unclear, as the rest of the 4 page document clearly say Edward. Apparent age: 18 years 7 months Height:  5ft 7ins Chest girth when fully expanded: 37½ ins Range of expansion:   3 ins Complexion:  Fresh Eyes:  Brown Hair:  Brown Church of England Yes Distinctive marks etc., etc.:  Scar L side of face. Scar over L kneecap
(pg.3) click to enlarge	Statement of the Services of No. 8678  Name Edward Nicholson Attested Private 28/11/1907 Posted Pte 30-11-1907 Discharged Private 8.2.1908 Discharged under Para. 1805 (8) King's Regulations on payment of £10. Purchase money provided by George Nicholson, 24 Park Row, New Park, Harrogate. Edward only served a total of 73 days
(pg.4) click to enlarge	Military History Sheet This last page has little information, for obvious reasons, there was not much to report. There is a record of Edward's service Home   28.11.07 to 8.2.1908  total 73 days The only other information shown was: Name and address of next of kin:  Father Joseph Mother Elizabeth -                                                           24 Park Row, New Park, Harrogate

There is still a mystery surrounding Edward's earlier service. No record has so far been found showing when he signed up the first time, and just how underage he was.

It's also interesting to note that the person who provided his discharge payment, George Nicholson, gives his address as 24 Park Row in New Park, which is the address of Edward's parents, Joseph and Elizabeth.

At this time, the exact relationship between George and the other Nicholson's is unclear. It is more than likely that George was Edward's cousin, but more confirmation is still required.

It would be exactly 1 year 1 month and 28 days later that Edward again enlisted in the Army.

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