In the week of the 80th anniversary of D-Day, today's Object of the Week is Britain's highest award for gallantry which has pride of place in a North Yorkshire museum.
Company Sergeant Major (CSM) Stanley Elton Hollis VC was born in Middlesbrough on September 21, 1912.
Before the Second World War, he had worked as a mechanic and had a career in the Merchant Navy before ill health saw him return to shore.
He enlisted in 1939, was posted to the 6th Battalion Green Howards and saw service throughout the war in France, the evacuation from Dunkirk, the Middle East, Sicily and of course D-Day.
On the morning of June 6, 1944, Stan landed on Gold Beach with the 6th Battalion Green Howards. His actions that day earned him the Victoria Cross (VC).
Hollis went with his company commander to investigate two German pill-boxes as the company moved inland from the beaches.
His citation for the VC reads: "Hollis instantly rushed straight at the pillbox, firing his Sten gun into the first pill-box.
"He jumped on top of the pillbox, re-charged his magazine, threw a grenade in through the door and fired his Sten gun into it, killing two Germans and taking the remainder prisoners."
Later the same day, CSM Hollis attempted to neutralise a concealed German field gun with a PIAT anti-tank weapon.
He later found that two of his men had stayed behind in the house. In full view of the enemy who were continually firing at him, he went forward alone to distract their attention from the other men. Under cover of his diversion, the two men were able to get back.
The citation adds: "Wherever the fighting was heaviest...[he]...appeared, displaying the utmost gallantry.
"It was largely through his heroism and resource that the company's objectives were gained and casualties were not heavier. ....he saved the lives of many of his men."
When asked why he did what he did, Stan replied "because I was a Green Howard".
He was a natural leader who felt a great responsibility toward his men. In Stan's own words: "I took them in. I will get them out." And when asked about his proudest moment, he replied: "When I was promoted to warrant officer, as I was then a man to be reckoned with in Middlesbrough."
Stan always said that the Victoria Cross was his wife's retirement fund. She was instructed to sell it when he passed away to make sure she was able to live comfortably.
She didn't want to sell it, but when her house needed urgent repairs she had no choice. It was a difficult decision and the family were worried it would be taken out of the country never to be seen again. The VC was sold at Christie's to a private buyer.
It transpired that the buyer was Sir Ernest Harrison, Chairman of Racal Electronics. It was his original intention to donate Hollis' medal to the Green Howards Museum in Richmond when he passed away, but upon meeting with museum staff and trustees, he decided to donate it early.
The donation of this medal, and the Victoria Cross awarded to Henry Tandy, the most decorated Private soldier of the First World War, led to the museum renaming the medal gallery as the 'Harrison Gallery'.
Recommended reading:
- Stan Hollis: The 'man they couldn't kill' and only D-Day Victoria Cross recipient
- Following in the footsteps of Boro's Stan Hollis, the only man to win a VC on D-Day
- Emotions run high as town remembers unimaginable bravery of war heroes
A spokesperson for the Green Howards Museum, where the medal remains on display to this day, said: "Stan’s Victoria Cross is one of the most important objects in the Green Howards collection.
"We are very proud to be the home of Stan’s unique Victoria Cross and to tell his story of impeccable leadership, duty and friendship.
"It is stunning to appreciate the simplicity of the design of the Victoria Cross bearing in mind the actions which led to its award."
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