Information Category | 08-03-08 03:59 GMT | Posted by Ian Chicken

Edward Nicholls
Soldier

The first Royal Marine commandant of Ascension. Nicholls had had a notabley distinguished career which bore him the name ‘Fighting Nicholls’.

He was constantly battling to run Ascension and his major problem was food supplies, he wanted convicts to help build the infrastructure of the island.

Capturing turtles for garrison use was started to supplement the food suuplies. In fact it was Nicholls who started the practice of selling or bartering them to passing ships.

During is tenure on the Island he oversaw several projects, these included, a road built down to South West Bay, A Store for victualling, Cranes, etc.
 
it was he who had the Naval Cutter split in two and put up at Two Boats, to use as shelter for people travelling up the mountain.

He eventually became a General, and was also Knighted.

Notable Dates:
1823-1828        Commandant of Ascension