John Vincent Holland

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John Vincent Holland VC (19 July 1889- 27 February 1975) born in Athy, County Kildare, Holland was an Irish 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.

He was 27 years old, and a lieutenant in the 3rd Battalion, Prince of Wales's Leinster Regiment, British Army, attached to 7th Battalion during the First World War when the following deed took place for which he was awarded the VC.

On 3 September 1916 at Guillemont, France, during a heavy engagement, Lieutenant Holland, not content with bombing hostile dug-outs within the objective, fearlessly led his bombers through our own artillery barrage and cleared a great part of the village in front. He started out with 26 bombers and finished with only five after capturing some 50 prisoners. By this gallant action he undoubtedly broke the spirit of the enemy and saved many casualties. He was far from well at the time and later had to go to hospital.

He died Hobart, Tasmania, 27 February 1975. Gravestone Cornelian cemetery, Hobart.

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