Belgium honours NZ VC

A New Zealand Victoria Cross holder has been honoured in Belgium. A plaque in memory of Sergeant Henry James Nicholas was unveiled yesterday to mark his "exceptional bravery" in World War I.

The plaque, erected by the community of Zonnebeke and the New Zealand Embassy in Brussels, sits near Geluveld close to the spot where Mr Nicholas won the VC.

Defence Force spokesman Lieutenant Colonel John Boswell said the story of Mr Nicholas' exceptional bravery was truly inspirational.

"He single-handedly captured a German machinegun post that had opened up on the New Zealand advance, killing 12 of its occupants and taking the other four prisoner. His actions saved many lives and enabled the New Zealand attack to continue."

- AGENCIES