Member-only story

Day Hero CMS: The Life and Legacy of Stanley Hollis VC

George Hayes

·16.9k Followers· Follow

Published in D Day Hero: CMS Stanley Hollis VC

4 min read

1k View Claps

55 Respond

Save

Listen

Stanley Hollis VC was a British soldier who was awarded the Victoria Cross, the highest award for gallantry in the British Armed Forces, for his actions during the Battle of Arnhem in 1944. He was one of only a handful of men to receive the VC for actions during this battle, and his story is an inspiring example of courage, leadership, and self-sacrifice.

Early Life and Military Career

Stanley Hollis was born in 1922 in the town of Sutton Coldfield, England. He joined the British Army in 1940, at the age of 18, and was assigned to the 1st Parachute Battalion. He saw action in North Africa and Sicily before being deployed to the Netherlands for the Battle of Arnhem in September 1944.

The Battle of Arnhem

The Battle of Arnhem was a major Allied operation that aimed to capture the key bridges over the Rhine River in the Netherlands. The operation was a failure, and the British 1st Airborne Division, of which Hollis was a member, was almost completely wiped out.

D-Day Hero: CMS Stanley Hollis VC

by Mike Morgan

4.2 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1586 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	243 pages

Hollis's actions during the battle took place on September 17, 1944, when his platoon was ordered to hold a vital bridge against overwhelming German forces. Hollis led his men with great courage and determination, and they were able to hold the bridge for several hours, allowing other British forces to withdraw.

The Victoria Cross

For his actions during the Battle of Arnhem, Stanley Hollis was awarded the Victoria Cross. The citation for his award reads:

"For most conspicuous bravery and leadership. When his platoon was ordered to hold a vital bridge against overwhelming odds he led his men with great courage and determination. Although the bridge was subjected to intense fire from enemy tanks and self-propelled guns his platoon held out for several hours, thus allowing other British forces to withdraw. Private Hollis was largely responsible for this action and his gallantry and devotion to duty were an inspiration to all ranks."

Later Life and Legacy

After the war, Stanley Hollis returned to England and worked as a bricklayer. He died in 1996 at the age of 74. He was survived by his wife and two children.

Hollis's legacy as a war hero continues to inspire people today. He is remembered as a man of great courage, leadership, and self-sacrifice. His story is a reminder of the sacrifices that have been made by so many to protect our freedom.

Stanley Hollis VC was a remarkable man who served his country with great distinction. His actions during the Battle of Arnhem were an inspiring example of courage, leadership, and self-sacrifice. He is a true hero who deserves to be remembered and honored.

D-Day Hero: CMS Stanley Hollis VC

by Mike Morgan

4.2 out of 5