Date of birth:

March 8th, 1913

Date of death:

February 14th, 1984

Nationality:

British (1801-present, Kingdom)

Promotions:
December 30th, 1929: Private;
November 8th, 1934: Lance Corporal;
?: Platoon Sergeant Major;
March 22nd, 1950: Lieutenant & Captain (QM);
September 21st, 1953: Major.

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Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Platoon Sergeant Major

Unit:

2nd Battalion Leicestershire Regiment, 148th Infantry Brigade, 4th Indian Infantry Division, British Indian Army

Awarded on:

April 25th, 1941

"P.S.M. Hollis organised his platoon under shell fire and subsequently led it brilliantly in two attacks on 10th Dec. 1940. Throughout the day he displayed great gallantry under heavy fire, complete disregard for his personal safety and untiring energy. Throughout the operation his conduct was an inspiring example to the N.C.O.'s and men under him."

14 September 1944 WO 171/846 - 15-19 The King Royal Hussars
A dull wet morning after a wet night. Cleared up a little but remained dull, quite a thick mist in the morning which hung about till 1030hrs. Enemy shelled area of bridge with airburst from 2 guns to the West for 2 or 3 hours in the morning. No damage. About 0900hrs enemy put in an attack from the North, North West and West. At least 4 S.P. A/Tk guns and a number of infantry moved down from the North against the Coldstream Guards and 'C' Sqn. Certainly 3 of these SP guns were destroyed by 'C' Sqn mainly by Sgt Hollis of 2nd Tp - Lt M Roderick - who did particularly well. 'C' Sqn met and repulsed this attack and apart from the 3 SP guns killed a large number of German Infantry. Meantime 'A' Sqn in co-operation with both Coldstram and Irish Guards were engaged in somewhat confused fighting in the houses along the track LA COLONIE-343982 and in the woods 3397. They cleared up the situation along the track to their North without much difficulty, killed a large number of Germans and took about 70 prisoners. Further to the West the situation was very much more difficult. 1st Tp - Lt AM Bryce - became drawn into the thick woods supporting the Irish Guards where two of its tks broke tracks and whilst immobilised owing to this were heavily engaged by enemy bazookas and riflemen.

• Photo 1: Emma van Dijk Nai Howitt
• - Royal Leicestershire Regiment