Edward James Gibson Holland
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Edward James Gibson Holland ( February 2, 1878, Ottawa - June 18, 1948, Cobalt, Ontario) was a Canadian recipient of the Victoria Cross, the highest and most prestigious award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces.
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[edit] Details
He was 22 years old, and a sergeant in The Royal Canadian Dragoons, Canadian Army during the South African War (Boer War) when the following deed took place for which he was awarded the VC.
On 7 November 1900 in South Africa, Sergeant Holland kept the Boers away from two 12-pounder guns with his Colt gun. When he saw that the enemy were too near for him to escape with the carriage, as the horse was blown, he calmly lifted the gun off and galloped away with it under his arm.
[edit] Further information
Also considered Irish. He later achieved the rank of Major.
The Canadian Department of National Defence named an Armoury after Major Holland in Ottawa, Ontario.
[edit] The medal
The medal is currently on display at the Canadian Forces base in Pettawawa, Ontario
[edit] References
- Irish Winners of the Victoria Cross (Richard Doherty & David Truesdale, 2000)
- Monuments to Courage (David Harvey, 1999)
- The Register of the Victoria Cross (This England, 1997)
- Victoria Crosses of the Anglo-Boer War (Ian Uys, 2000)
