#OnThisDay 1916 Lt John V Holland from Athy, Kildare was awarded the Victoria Cross at Guillemont.
“During a heavy engagement, Lt. Holland, not content with bombing hostile dug-outs, fearlessly led his troops through our own artillery barrage and cleared a great part of the village in front. He started out with 26 troops and finished with only five after capturing some 50 prisoners. By this gallant action he undoubtedly broke the spirit of the enemy and saved many casualties.”
Holland finally reached the rank of Major and survived the war.
The Irish at War 