Jevon Albert "Jeff" Nicklin, born on December 10, 1914, was a prominent Canadian military officer and football player who served with distinction during the Second World War. Before his active deployment, Nicklin established himself as an athlete in Canada. Upon entering military service, he rose through the ranks of the Canadian Army to become a Lieutenant Colonel and was appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in recognition of his leadership and contributions.\n\nNicklin's military career was defined by his role in key airborne operations in Europe. He made history as one of the very first Canadian soldiers to jump into occupied France on D-Day, June 6, 1944. Following this historic operation, he assumed command of the 1st Canadian Parachute Battalion, leading the unit through the intense combat of the Battle of the Bulge. In March 1945, during the closing stages of the war, Nicklin led his battalion in Operation Varsity, an airborne assault into German territory. He was killed in action during the operation on March 24, 1945.
