NICHOLSON, LIEUT. ALFRED P. REG # 657296 Alfred Percival Nicholson was born on November 16, of 1890 in Chapman Twp. to Edmund and Annie (Pearson) Nicholson
At the time of the 1891 census, the family was identified as living in the Croft and Chapman Census Sub-District.
In the 1901 census, this was clarified as Chapman Township. Edmund Nicholson died in July of 1901.
In the 1911 census, Annie (Mrs. E.) Nicholson and family were identified as living on Lot 30, Concession 5 Chapman.
In family records, Alfred is identified as enlisting on August 30, 1918.
He is shown as marrying Caroline Stubbs in Detroit, Michigan on December 23, 1923. (Caroline died in 1930.)
Alfred remarried and in 1935, he and his wife were identified as living in Toronto where he was identified as a salesman.
Alfred died April 26, 1968 in Ottawa.
In his Attestation papers signed January 3, 1916 in Burks Falls. Alfred identified that he lived in Magnetawan and that his next of kin was his mother Annie Nicholson, also of Magnetawan. Alfred identified himself as a clerk
In his Canadian Forces Discharge information, Alfred was identified as serving in the 162nd (in which he enlisted);the 18th Battalion; and the Canadian Machine Gun Corps. His discharge was August 30. 1918.
The reason for his discharge was that he was being appointed to the R.A.F. as a Flight Cadet.
Alfred Percival Nicholson arrived in England on November 11, 1916 with 162nd. (He had been appointed A/Lance Corporal in September while a Camp Niagara).
In December Alfred was Taken on Strength in the 35th and in January reverted to private at his own request. In January he transferred to the 4th Reserve Battalion.
In January he was transferred to the 18th Battalion in France. In February he was transferred to the 14th Canadian Machine Gun Coy.
In December he was appointed Lance Corporal.
In March/April 1918 Alfred left the Machine Gun Corps for a Commission with the Royal Flying Corps. In March of 1919 he ceased to be on command to the R.A.F. and returned to the Machine Gun Corp.