Born in 1883 the son of Dr Stephen Nockolds of Cowes, Isle of Wight, a fact that explained his lifelong enthusiasm for yachting, he was educated at Dover College, Blundell's School, Tiverton, University College, London and University College Hospital. After qualifying in 1907, he was appointed house surgeon to Trotter and he became a lifelong personal friend. In 1912 he was appointed to the staff of Lewisham Hospital at that time under the local board of guardians. On the outbreak of war in 1914 he volunteered for the RN Medical Service; not being accepted, he went to France with the Friends Ambulance Unit of the British Red Cross in which he served throughout the war, becoming its administrative head as PMO; he was awarded the Distinguished Service Order and the Croix de Guerre and was twice mentioned in dispatches. Returning to Lewisham Hospital in 1919 he remained there until his retirement in 1952, acting as surgeon and medical superintendent. During his time the hospital passed first to the London County Council and then in 1948 to the Ministry of Health as part of the National Health Service. A good administrator, he was a man of integrity, friendliness and equanimity. He was a member of the West Kent Medico-Chirurgical Society and the Society of Medical Superintendents and an Officer of the Order of St John. He married in 1919 Josephine Louisa Wilson, who survived him with their son and daughter. He died in Lewisham Hospital on 16 December 1963 aged 80.