| Surname: | Holman |
| Initials: | W R |
| Rank: | Major |
| Army Number: | 58001 |
| Notes: | Provost Officer. Royal Horse Artillery. (From Cheltenham). 1/4/44 OC 231 Pro Coy, Italy. |
Decoration Record: |
| Decoration: | Military Cross (London Gazette: 36209 Page: 6545 Oct. 14, 1943) |
| Citation: | Military Cross, Middle East. Citation: Major Holman has commanded C Bry. 5 RHA during the period over which it has been attached to the Staffordshire Yeomanry Armoured Regimental Group from 9 Dec 42 to date. During the whole of the operations from AGHEILA to TRIPOLI he has personally shewn outstanding powers of initiative and leadership on all occasions. On 15 Dec 42 when my Regt was forcing a passage over the Anti Tank ditch west of AGHEILA, Major Holman's guns were subjected to very heavy counter battery fire from numerous enemy guns. He appreciated at once that his immediate task was to knock out the enemy heavy calibre Anti tank guns engaging my Tanks. This object he achieved thereby saving a critical situation and many of my tanks. His own casualties were heavy but his splendid example and utter lack of regard for his personal safety successfully turned the scale in a hard day's fighting. This was only one of many occasions on which he shewed courage, efficiency and devotion to duty and I desire to recommend that is gallantry be rewarded.Recommended by: Lt Col J A Eadie, Comd Staffs Yeomanry, Lt Gen B G Horrocks, Comd 30 Corps, General B L Montogomery, GOC 8 Army, Brig C B Harvey Comd 8 Armd Bde But for a change in command owing to a battle casualty this officer might well have been recommended for an immediate award. From observation of his work over a brief period. I can full endorse the above remarks as to his dash and ability. Lt Col 5 RHA 7/2/43. |
| Decoration: | Mention in Despatches (London Gazette: 35020 Page: 7177 Dec. 20, 1940) |
| Citation: | BEF France. Capt W R Holman (RHA). |
Provost Officer Appointments: |
| No appointments recorded |
