The Australian War Memorial Collection. Test site
Relating to the service of 6408 Private Ernest A (Nick) Nicholls 8 Battalion. Collection comprises notebook containing handwritten notes on the Lewis gun; 2 x postcards with photos of 'The Perham Stars'; newspaper cuttings; 'The Baptist Boys' Greeting Card, Xmas 1918; Rationing Order 1918 booklet containing coupons; 2 x 'The Kit Inspection Hymn' by the Perham Stars; 'The Laughing Song' lyric sheet and concert programme for 'The Aussies' 20/8/1918; YMCA stationery wallet; Field Service postcard stamped 9/3/1918; Registered letter envelope;and typed attendance receipt stamped 30/11/1916, Bombing Course 'A' Group, Grenade school, Perham Downs.
Ernest Alfred Nicholls was born in London c1890. He had begun singing on London piers at the age of 11 with 'Carrie Lauries' Juveniles'. Nicholls migrated to Australia and worked as a Picture Operator in Melbourne. Following enlistment in Melbourne with the AIF in June 1916, he was sent overseas on troopship Euripides, disembarking Plymouth 26/6/1919. He marched in to Perham Downs and was attached to 8 Battalion on 30/10/1916. Whilst at the Perham Downs camp he formed 'The Perham Stars' with fellow servicemen, entertaining the troops there. Nicholls was an accomplished baritone and wrote of musical numbers. Their fame spread and they were eventually recognised by the AIF and became the First Official Concert Party. The group renamed and became 'The Aussies'. They toured hospitals and other camps. Another member of the cast was 3856 WO II John Sinclair 'Jack' Lumsdaine, later a famous radio concert pianist. Nicholls was the business manager for the group. Their manager was Lieutenant Arthur Charles Boorman MC.
Following discharge in 1919, Nicholls continued his association with musical societies and was an acting member of the Gillbert & Sullivan society, Sydney Musical Society, Mosman Musical Society and the dramamtic group, The Thespians. He played an active role with the RSL, and he is remembered for playing song after song at their reunions. Following a move to Milton in New South Wales, he worked as Hospital Director and also District Coroner. Nicholls served as President of the Milton-Ulladulla Sub-Branch for four years before his death in 1967.
Bracelet made from numerous small coils of fine brass wire linked together. Bracelet worn by a female impersonator in the 'Perham Stars' or 'The Aussies' concert parties. This brooch is part of the
Hand made circular metal brooch. The backing plate is made from metal, possibly from a tin lid, which has been cut in a circle. Attached to the metal is a coiled length of diamantes, each 6 mm in size
Handmade ring, made from a brass heart shaped pendant soldered to a ring. The pendant has diamantes on the front of varying sizes. Three are missing. On the top of the pendant is a bent link. The ring
Handmade ring made from a large diamante with a brass setting and brass band. Handmade ring worn by a female impersonator in the 'Perham Stars' or 'The Aussies' concert parties. This brooch is part
Silver identity bracelet. The disc is oval and is engraved '6408/E.A.Nicholls/8th Batt/A.I.F. (B)' on the front. It is impressed E.S.Co on the reverse. The silver wristlet chain is attached to the dis
Princess Mary Christmas gift tin with card. The rectangular tin has a hinged lid and is embossed on top with a profile of the Princess surrounded by a wreath. The letter M is embossed on either side o
Souvenirs relating to the First World War service of 6408 Private Ernest Alfred Nicholls, 8th Battalion. This file contains souvenirs relating to Nicholls' time as a member of the No. 1 Command Depot
Bracelet made from numerous small coils of fine brass wire linked together. Bracelet worn by a female impersonator in the 'Perham Stars' or 'The Aussies' concert parties. This brooch is part of the
Handmade ring made from a large diamante with a brass setting and brass band. Handmade ring worn by a female impersonator in the 'Perham Stars' or 'The Aussies' concert parties. This brooch is part
Handmade ring, made from a brass heart shaped pendant soldered to a ring. The pendant has diamantes on the front of varying sizes. Three are missing. On the top of the pendant is a bent link. The ring
Hand made circular metal brooch. The backing plate is made from metal, possibly from a tin lid, which has been cut in a circle. Attached to the metal is a coiled length of diamantes, each 6 mm in size
Silver identity bracelet. The disc is oval and is engraved '6408/E.A.Nicholls/8th Batt/A.I.F. (B)' on the front. It is impressed E.S.Co on the reverse. The silver wristlet chain is attached to the dis