John Vincent Holland

John Vincent Holland VC (19 July 1889 – 27 February 1975), was an Irish recipient of the Victoria Cross, the highest and most prestigious award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces.

Biography
Holland was born in Athy, County Kildare. During the First World War he was 27 years old, and a lieutenant in the 3rd Battalion, Prince of Wales's Leinster Regiment, British Army, attached to 7th Battalion. On 3 September 1916 at Guillemont, France, he performed a deed for which he was awarded the Victoria Cross. During a heavy engagement, Lieutenant 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.

He died in Hobart, Tasmania on 27 February 1975.

He is survived by his second son Norman Joseph Holland. His eldest son, Major Niall Vincent Holland. M.C. was killed in action near Imphal, Burma in June 1944 while serving in the 4th battalion 5th Mahratta Light Infantry Regiment of the Indian Army.