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William Nicholson

1863 – 1932

British Royal Navy officer

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About William Nicholson

Lived 1863 – 1932 (aged 68). William Nicholson was a naval officer.

Admiral Sir William Coldingham Masters Nicholson, KCB (28 October 1863 – 9 January 1932) was a Royal Navy officer who went on to be Third Sea Lord and Controller of the Navy.

Naval career Nicholson was educated at Stubbington House School. Nicholson was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant on 21 August 1885. A Commander in the Royal Navy, he was on 10 September 1902 appointed in command of the torpedo gunboat HMS Antelope, serving in home waters.

He served in World War I and, as Captain of HMS Canada, saw action at the Battle of Jutland in 1916. He went on to be Rear Admiral i.e. Second of Command of the 1st Battle Squadron later that year. He was appointed Third Sea Lord and Controller of the Navy in 1919 and was given command of the 2nd Battle Squadron in October 1920. He then became Commander of the 1st Battle Squadron in May 1921.

He lived at Winchcombe in Gloucestershire.

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Important facts

Birth century
Occupation
Education
Stubbington House School
Positions held
Third Sea Lord
Awards
Knight Commander of the Order of the Bath; Order of the Bath
Also known as
Sir William Coldingham Masters Nicholson

Contemporaries

People whose lives overlapped William Nicholson's

Frequently asked questions

Who was William Nicholson?

British Royal Navy officer (1863-1932)

When was William Nicholson born?

William Nicholson was born on 28 October 1863.

When did William Nicholson die?

William Nicholson died on 9 January 1932.

What was William Nicholson's occupation?

William Nicholson was a naval officer.

Sources & further reading

· Wikipedia: William Nicholson

· Wikidata: Q16029355

· DBpedia: William Nicholson (Royal Navy officer)

Cite this page

APA: Biography.guide. (2026). William Nicholson. https://biography.guide/william-nicholson-naval-officer/

MLA: "William Nicholson." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/william-nicholson-naval-officer/.

Chicago: "William Nicholson." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/william-nicholson-naval-officer/.

Data last updated: 2026-09-20 · Spot an error? Report a correction.

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