Private Roland Henderson Nicholas, who is reported missing, is a son of Mr George Nicholas, farmer, of Winchmore. He was under 20 years of age when he enlisted with we Mounted Rifles. Private Nicholas was educated at the Greenstreet School, and later at the Winchmore School. At the time of the great maritime strike he served as a special constable. -Ashburton Guardian, 30/6/1915.
Roland Nichols' unit, the Canterbury Mounted Rifles, reached Anzac Cove and landed from barges on May 12, 1915. They spent their first night on Gallipoli in a dry watercourse out of enemy fire, then were directed to the trenches on an area known as Walkers Ridge. The CMR went into a reserve area on the 28th, according to their Official History, which makes a vital comment in Roland's Army record a mysterious one. It records that he went missing on the ridge on May 31.
Roland's death was made official by the verdict of a Court of Enquiry. He has no known resting place.
Ashburton Cemetery.
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