Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Acting Warrant Officer 2nd Class

Unit:

396 Battery, 127th Heavy Anti Aircraft Regiment, Anti-Aircraft Command, British Army

Awarded on:

April 10th, 1945

Citation:
"This Warrant Officer was called to the Colours on 13th December 1940. His personality, appearance and cheerful willingness for hard work was quickly recognised and he was appointed Lance-Bombardier within two months of his call-up. On courses that he has attended he has done outstandingly well and his instructional ability and knowledge have been well spoken of by high ranking officers with whom he has come into contact. In January 1943, manning 4.5" A.A. equipment, he was No.1 of the gun when an explosion occurred. The gun was badly damaged and put out of action. One man was killed and Holmes was wounded in the back. Refusing all aid, he assisted the Officers to deal with the situation and continued the action against the enemy. His cheerfulness and steadiness did much to maintain morale and it was not until the next morning when the action had ceased that he agreed to go into hospital to have his wound attended to. He has made himself capable of performing any of the duties required in an A.A. Troop both in the field and on the move. His organising ability, personality, loyalty and thorough devotion to duty have played a large part in attaining the high standard of efficiency now maintained in his Troop. In off duty hours he spends his time and energy in organising sport and recreation for his men from whom he commands great respect."

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)