He was trained in engineering and was a Constructor Lieutenant in the Royal Corps of Naval Constructors during the Second World War (he served in the North Atlantic and during the invasion of Normandy, where he was mentioned in despatches for his work repairing damaged ships while under fire). Sir David Nicolson was a member of the Links Club of the City and Guilds College whilst at Imperial College.
As an engineer by training, Sir David served as a Constructor Lieutenant in the Royal Corps of Naval Constructors during World War II (he worked in the North Atlantic and participated in the Normandy invasion, where he was recognized for his efforts to repair damaged vessels while under attack). He also had connections with the Links Club at City and Guilds College while attending Imperial College.