Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Private

Unit:

Mortar Group, Support Company, 7th (Galloway) Battalion, 1st Airlanding Brigade, 1st Airborne Division, British Army

Awarded on:

November 9th, 1944

Awarded for:

Operation Market Garden

At Ollerton, near Arnhem on 22nd September, when the Machine Gun he was manning was knocked out by enemy fire, Private Holburn shot an enemy sniper and seized his rifle and ammunition. With these he set himself up in a partially demolished house where he remained throughout the next two days acting as a sniper on his own account. This house became a target for enemy 20mm and Self-Propelled Gun fire at close range and was repeatedly hit. Despite having to leave it several times on this account, Private Holburn constantly returned to his self appointed task and continued to take toll of any enemy who exposed themselves. His initiative, marksmanship and courageous devotion to duty acted as a distinct deterrent to enemy infiltration. Throughout the whole operation he remained confident and cheerful, set an example which was an inspiration to all his comrades.