"It's quite sad, really, but now he's remembered and it was a proud moment to stand in front of the Cenotaph with his photo."
In March 7, 2007, a bronze statue of Sergeant Nicholas was erected on the banks of the Avon River near the Bridge of Remembrance.
In September 2008, a plaque in his memory was unveiled by the community of Zonnebeke and the New Zealand Embassy in Brussels, near Geluveld, just southwest of where he won the Victoria Cross.
His VC and Military Medal were given to the Canterbury Museum in 1932 by his mother.
Dannevirke and Districts RSA president Roly Ellis said the VC was awarded only to the "bravest of the brave".
Nicholas had enlisted enlisted in the New Zealand Military Forces in February 1916, giving his occupation as a carpenter.
He embarked for Europe three months later with the 13th Reinforcements to join the New Zealand Expeditionary Force in France, assigned to the 1st Battalion of the Canterbury Regiment as a private.
Private Nicholas was involved in an attack on Polderhoek Chateau on December 3, 1917.
The chateau was atop the Polderhoek Spur, which overlooked the trenches occupied by the 2nd Infantry Brigade, to which Nicholas' battalion was subordinate.
The Canterbury and Otago battalions attacked at midday but were slowed by heavy machine-gun fire.
It was then that Private Nicholas performed the actions that led to the award of the Victoria Cross.
His VC citation reads: "For most conspicuous bravery and devotion to duty in attack.
"Private Nicholas, who was one of a Lewis-gun section, had orders to form a defensive flank to the right of the advance, which was checked by heavy machine-gun and rifle fire from an enemy strong-point.
"Whereupon, followed by the remainder of his section at an interval of about 25 yards, Private Nicholas rushed forward alone, shot the officer in command of the strong-point, and overcame the remainder of the garrison of 16 with bombs and bayonets, capturing four wounded prisoners and a machine-gun.
"He captured this strong-point practically single-handed, and thereby saved many casualties.
"Subsequently, when the advance reached its limit, Private Nicholas collected ammunition under heavy machine-gun and rifle fire. His exceptional valour and coolness throughout the operations afforded an inspiring example to all."
He was presented with his VC by King George V at an investiture at Buckingham Palace in July 1918, having been promoted to sergeant the previous month.
On October 23, 1918, Sergeant Nicholas was on guard duty at a bridge near Le Quesnoy when a German patrol encountered his position.
He was killed during an exchange of gunfire and was buried in the Vertigneul Churchyard on October 29, 1918.
During the Hundred Days Offensive, he also won the Military Medal for actions performed in late September to early October during operations on Welsh and Bon Avis Ridges.
His citation noted his fearless leadership and contempt for danger.