Biography:
Arthur Stuart Nicholson was born 18 September 1889, the third son of Sir Arthur William Nicholson KCB, JP, DL (B 1865-1870) of Arisaig House, Arisaig, Inverness, and Lady Nicholson, daughter of Francis Astley.
He came to Winchester College from Revd FJ Page's school in Bournemouth in September 1902 and was in C House, Du Boulay's. He played golf and cricket for his house.
After leaving Winchester in December 1906, he obtained a commission in the 1st Battalion, Queen's Own Cameron Highlanders in 1909 and in 1913 was appointed ADC to Lord Glenconner, when High Commissioner to the Grand Assembly of the Church of Scotland, and then to General Sir J Spencer Ewart, then General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Scottish Command.
When war broke out, Arthur rejoined his regiment and departed for France on 12 August. By the late summer of 1914, five Wykehamists were serving with 1st Camerons: Lieutenant Donald Cameron (G 1900-1906, Transport Officer), Lieutenant Ronald Mosse Macdonald (G 1904-1909, ‘A’ Company), Captain Alastair Hugh Mackintosh (A 1893-1898, OC ‘D’ Company), 2nd Lieutenant Alastair John Greville Murray (H 1908-1912, OC 16 Platoon of ‘D’ Company), and Nicholson (in ‘C’ Company). Three would die and another be severely wounded on the same day in the same action; only one would outlive the end of the year.
The 1st Camerons were initially tasked with escort duties and not required on the battle field, although they found themselves in action near Le Cateau, as part of the Retreat from Mons, when asked to cover a contingent of men from the Scottish Rifles.
Nicholson was killed in action on 14 September 1914 during the advance across a stubble field north west of the Chivy-Cerny road. His body was never recovered and Nicholson is commemorated on the La Ferte-sous-Jouarre memorial.
Also killed or mortally wounded on 14 September 1914 were 2nd Lieutenant Rhys Campbell ffolliot Powell (K 1906-1909, 2nd Battalion, Highland Light Infantry); Lieutenant Robert Scott Pringle (A 1899-1904, 1st Battalion, Queen’s Royal West Surrey Regiment); and 2nd Lieutenant Nigel John Lawson Boyd (I 1908-1912, 1st Battalion, Black Watch).