Bob Hollowday

Corporal Vivian Hollowday GC (born 13 October 1916 in Ulceby, Lincolnshire, died 15 April 1977, in Bedford, Bedfordshire), known as Bob Hollowday, was a British recipient of the George Cross, the highest British and (Commonwealth) medal for gallantry not in the face of the enemy. He was the first non-commissioned member of the RAF to receive this honour.

Hollowday attended Worksop College, a public school in North Nottinghamshire before joining the Royal Air Force at the start of World War II, in September 1939. He was a member of 14 Flying Training School, and of the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve. He was cremated and buried at Bedford Cemetery and Crematorium, Renhold, Bedfordshire, England.

Along with the George Cross, Hollowday was the recipient of the 1939–45 Star, Africa Star, Italy Star, France and Germany Star, the Defence Medal, War Medal 1939–1945, and was Mentioned in Dispatches.

At NO stage in his life was Vivian called Bob. The family and Vivian himself have no idea where this mistake originated. The mistake has even led to Vivian being recorded as Robert in the US! Reference #1 may be recorded as a source but it is incorrect. This page should never have been moved from Vivian Hollowday. The George Cross was issued in Vivians correct name and the Wikipedia page should reflect that.

George Cross
Then Aircraftman First Class Hollowday was awarded the George Cross for the "amazing courage and initiative" he showed in two attempted rescues of crashed RAF personnel, while based at RAF Cranfield. The date of the second attempt was 27 August 1940. The following citation was printed in the London Gazette of 21 January 1941.

The pilot in the July crash was the only occupant of the plane. He was 754516 Sgt (pilot) Noel Francis Lloyd Davies and was 20 years old. He was buried in a private grave in his hometown of Cleethorpes.