We have just been informed that Freddie (John) Nicoll DFC has passed away peacefully in hospital following a brain haemorrhage. Freddie has been a stalwart member of the 6 Squadron Association since its inception, and he will be sadly missed. He would always attend reunions at the current Squadron base where the latest generation of pilots would enjoy his company. Last November, he celebrated his 100th birthday and was given a flypast by a Spitfire and a Mustang.
He was posted to 208 Squadron in North Africa in September 1942 flying the Hurricane Mk II in the tactical reconnaissance role in the run up to the Battle of El Alamein. Freddie was posted to 6 Squadron in October 1943 at a time when they were converting to the rocket equipped Hurricane Mk IV. He flew 58 operational sorties in the anti shipping role and earned a DFC for his gallant efforts over a three month period in pressing home his attacks in particularly hazardous conditions.
Freddie was a frequent contributor to our Tin-opener magazine with accounts of his Hurricane anti shipping operations from the island of Vis in what is now Croatia. He frequently visited Vis for their annual wreath laying ceremony and was something of a local celebrity there.
We offer sincere condolences to his family and friends, and a full obituary will appear in the July edition of Tin-opener.
