Stanley Elton Hollis
Company Sergeant-Major, 6th Battalion, Green Howards ( Princess Alexandra of Wales' Own)
- Register No.
- 583 (Alf's numbering, from The Register of the Victoria Cross, 1997)
- Rank
- Company Sergeant-Major (register: Company Sergeant Major) all Company Sergeant-Majors →
- Unit
- 6th Battalion, Green Howards ( Princess Alexandra of Wales' Own) all Green Howards VCs →
- Date of action
- 6 June 1944 on this day → all of 1944 →
- Conflict / campaign
- Second World War
- London Gazette
- 17th August, 1944 on this day → all of 1944 →
- Born
- 21st September, 1912 at Middlesbrough, Yorkshire
- Died
- 8th of February 1972 at Middlesbrough, Yorkshire
- Memorial / grave
- not known
Digest of citation
On 6th June 1944 in Normandy, France, Company Sergeant-Major Hollis went with his company Commander to investigate two German pill-boxes which had been bypassed as the company moved inland from the beaches. He rushed forward to the first pill-box, taking all but five of the occupants prisoner and then dealt with the second, taking 26 prisoners. Throughout the day, wherever the fighting was heaviest he appeared, displaying the utmost gallantry. It was through his heroism and resource that the company's objective were gained and casualties were not heavier. He saved the lives of many of his men
From Alf Askin's research notes
Reproduced as Alf wrote it, c. 2000–2005. Spelling and abbreviations are his own.
HOLLIS, Stanley Elton. (reg No. 583).
Company Sergeant-Major. 6th Battalion, Green Howards ( Princess Alexandra of Wales' Own).
London Gazetted on 17th August, 1944.
Born 21st September, 1912 at Middlesbrough, Yorkshire.
Died on 8th of February 1972 at Middlesbrough, Yorkshire.
Memorial not known.
Digest of Citation reads: On 6th June 1944 in Normandy, France, Company Sergeant-Major Hollis went with his company Commander to investigate two German pill-boxes which had been bypassed as the company moved inland from the beaches. He rushed forward to the first pill-box, taking all but five of the occupants prisoner and then dealt with the second, taking 26 prisoners. Throughout the day, wherever the fighting was heaviest he appeared, displaying the utmost gallantry. It was through his heroism and resource that the company's objective were gained and casualties were not heavier. He saved the lives of many of his men.
Additional information:. Company Sergeant-Major Hollis was the only person to be decorated with the Victoria Cross on 6th June 1944, the D-Day landings.
Additional information
Company Sergeant-Major Hollis was the only person to be decorated with the Victoria Cross on 6th June 1944, the D-Day landings.
Visit the grave or memorial
Alf recorded the memorial as: not known
Map links open a search for the place name Alf recorded; please check opening times and exact locations before travelling. Many VC graves have since been restored by the Victoria Cross Trust.
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