Hi all, I just wanted to briefly add another story about C.S.M. Stanley Hollis that I didn't include in the video, as it wasn't an action that led to him being awarded the Victoria Cross. On the 11 June 1944, five days after D-Day, the 6 Green Howards moved off to secure Point 102, which lies approximately 17km from Gold Beach near the village of Cristot. Although the advance initially progressed without incident, the leading elements of the Battalion soon encountered German positions that inflicted heavy casualties on the British Infantry. Eventually, D Company was brought forward to takeover the advance, with C.S.M. Stanley Hollis leading a Platoon up a dirt track. Within minutes, the Platoon was pinned down by a German Machine Gun post sited at the top of the track. Aware that the advance could not continue unless this enemy position was dealt with, C.S.M. Hollis crawled forward and got eyes-on the MG post, prior to him turning to a nearby soldier and asking for, and receiving, a hand grenade. The Sergeant Major then proceeded to launch the grenade in the direction of the enemy dug-out, but immediately afterwards he realised that he had forgotten to pull out the pin. Subsequently, C.S.M. Hollis grabbed his Sten gun, charged up the track and reached the enemy position, where he began firing into it with his Sten, in the process killing two German soldiers and knocking out the Machine Gun post. In doing so, the Sergeant Major opened the way for his Platoon to continue the advance up the dirt track. However, not long after, the whole of the 6 Green Howards began to withdraw from the area as the War Diary records: "Owing to the threat by enemy tanks to our [Line of Communication's], the CO withdrew the Bn to [an area West of Cristot] and there the Bn dug-in at 2200hrs."
@@rodsizle1274 having read mark of the Lion how could you get all he did in a 5 minute video. Even the powers that be agreed that in fact he should have received 3 VC's but combine two action into one citation!
Just think, when he was 59, just before he died. He wasn't to know that almost 50 years later, in 2021, 1000's of people would be watching a video of his actions and seeing what a hero he was. Legend.
And i bet he would be amazed as he just thought he was just doing his duty and would have played it all down , yet with out him and many like him the war would never have been won . Respect :-)
YT throws up these unexpected gems of bravery under fire and make you think - 'Could I have done that'? We hae lived a life of peace largely due to men like this so thank you Sir and RIP
There is an addition to your story, two other soldiers accompanied CSM Hollis to the machine gun position one was my father and another my father reached up to throw a grenade into the gun position, and at the same time the machine gun let rip and he was wounded, for his bravery he was mentioned in despatch and received the oak leaf and he returned home, when he was fit he returned to fight and served in the army for 26 years.
Nice to hear VC stories that don't involve the recipient's death. Also wonderful to hear about Gold Beach which is often over shadowed by the stories of the American landing points. If you want to make me ecstatic, give us a story from Juno Beach. As a Canadian I've always felt that our contributions have been overshadowed by our larger allies. I'm sure any Aussies reading this can sympathize. Respect to Australia from a Canadian who's Great Grandfather was at Gallipoli (Royal Newfoundland Regiment).
Im English and know all about the Canadian heroics on Juno as I know all about Gallipoli in which my Grandfather fought and lost his best mates he hated the Turks till the day he died he went on to fight at Passchendaele and survived the war. As for gallipoli 32000 British KIA 11000 Anzacs KIA but always the Emphasis is on the Anzacs and thats not putting them down in any way as we all know how brave the Diggers are but the history writers seem to focus on certain aspects rather than the whole sorry story.
We the British people certainly haven't forgotten that Canada came to our aid and defence during WW2, also it's widely known that our Canadian brothers in arms fought with determination and dedication and fought way beyond their size. We haven't forgotten Dieppe and when you where outnumbered but still held German army off so they couldn't all escape through the falaise gap can't remember the name but it was at a hill just before falaise. Also can't forget you cleared the Scheldt estuary which meant we could use Antwerp and how you liberated large parts of Holland and crossed the Rhine. Canadians have been praised for fighting way beyond their numbers by British generals and leading British historian's ( James Holland for example) and I he digger's (Aussies) we admire them they where tough and fought amazing especially in the desert and the far east. We love and recognise our commonwealth Allies. Indian soldier's where constantly praised by their British officer's for dedication to duty and to fight in such tough conditions.. All love to our allies oh and without the US we wouldn't of won the war. Thank god for Roosevelt.and lest we forget those who died to fight nazi and Japanese tyranny of all nations 🙏🙏🙏
Forgot to add the mighty kiwi's and their contribution as well as south Africa and other African Allie's and not forgetting the most feared soldiers in the British army..the ghurkas. My grandad was forced down to he mines during the second world war but joined up after then was sent to Malaysia where he fought alongside the ghurkas and he was very impressed. I remember him being able to cook byrianis and other foods from Indian subcontinent because of this. He was in the British army as an infantry man fighting against a communist uprising and would never talk to anyone about his experiences. However I was military mad and was always asking him . Everyone told me to stop asking him but for some reason (probably because of my intense curiosity) he started opening up to me . But was very set against war and cried on rememberance day. He never drank with the exception of this day. He told me about his Enfield jungle carbine and how good and accurate the bren gun was. But also told me once about seeing flamethrowers used in caves and would always get upset if he seen one on TV he would immediately turn it off. He had only been talking to me about it for two years when he sadly passed away very unexpectedly and was all for people doing their bit in any way for the country. He was from north Yorkshire and he took me in the car and if it was just us two would tell me little snippets here and there. He had massive admiration for the ghurkas but also the Scots and the Yorkshire regiment's. I just wish I could of wrote everything down. My other grandfather passed away two years before I was born. However his service through the entire war was fully documented by his letters and his service records. He joined the royal navy at fifteen and just finished his service in 1938. And as soon as war was declared he joined up in the royal naval reserve where he served for the entire war. He was in arctic convoy duties and was a chief petty officer and was in the boiler room but at battle stations he was on an anti aircraft gun . Served all over the world and he was known to have a soft spot for the kiwi's who he served with a couple here and their but honestly the men where from all corners of the empire and he was very proud of the empire even though he was Scottish so gave his English subordinates a bit of stick here and there in friendly banter. I think they would of both loved this channel and would appreciate you bringing light to UK and commonwealth soldiers stories. They where a magnificent generation (WW2) lest we forget 🙏👍
@@mophiustheone While I agree, there were no where near as many, so its understandable more stories will be written about the majority. Most people that have an interest in WW2 however do appreciate the contributions made make no mistake.
When one looks at the photographs of S.M. Hollis, he looks perfectly normal yet at the right time he behaves extraordinarily. Such is the character of Victoria Cross holders. May he rest in peace and the memory of his actions be exalted for many year to come.
Mr Hollis is from my hometown of Middlesbrough, the green Howards are our local regiment and are now part of the Yorkshire regiment. He ran pubs after the war and struggled with the demon drink but he was tough as old boots
The trauma suffered by many vets by what they had been through meant the war never ended for them. There was little understanding of PTSD and zero support. Absolute heroes the lot of them xx
You never call a CSM a Sgt. It's either Sgt-Maj, or Sir. This is an excellent remembrance, but every time you said 'Sgt', nails across a chalkboard. What an amazing man! Well done!!
It was the fighting in land where it really became a nightmare for those men. over 8 Panzer divisions, 7 infantry divisions and 3 tiger tank battalions stood in the way of the British advance. For such a confined area, they faced A LOT of German armour.
Thank you for highlighting his valor on D Day, hope you will be able to cover the other Victoria Cross recipients of the Normandy campaign. Great work.
I had heard of his first acrion of clearing the machine gun pit, but hadn't heard of the 2nd action involving the PIAT. CSM Hollis was a credit the British Army, he looks such an unassuming individual. As always LfE, well produced content. I look forward to your next production 👍
I read the book "The Longest Day" when I was 15yo. about 45 years ago. Stanley Hollis was mentioned there, as he had a good meal and just slept very well after cleaning his Sten gun on the evening of the Normandy invasion. He was totally cool and not nervous at all. He was a veteran of Dunkirk and Alamein and was very confident too. Never seen his picture before, soo thanks, nice story.
He became a pub landlord in Middlesbrough and changed its name to the Green Howard. Apparently taking no crap from anyone! Hero! During the fight into Europe the Green Howard’s were almost totally wiped out,killed or wounded in action...... we should never forget!
You can still see the very lane that Green Howards advanced up from the beach (there is a tiny plaque on a beach hut there as I recall) and the lane leads up to the villa with the circular drive (nickname "lavatory pan villa" by the troops I think). The gun battery bunkers are still there too.
Glad people are still talking about my family and that his story still lives on even after all the years wish I had got to meet him Thankyou for this video 😢❤️
I like these kinds of videos describing the events of a single person, or a small team, they feel more involved and in depth. Videos describing a whole battle or event make it feel like we're missing a lot of information and details.
He was so brave and he survived the war! His courage looked so extreme I was asking myself: "Did he die next day trying to do the same thing again?" But he did it again! And he carried on until he was invalided out a few months later. Not reckless at all. Just a brave man with good judgement.
Something I've noticed is that most soldiers awarded their nations highest honour look like completely normal and unremarkable people. You'd think they'd be some Rambo-looking moutains of muscles but they usualy look like someone you'd pass by on the street without giving them a second thought. Funny how life is stranger than fiction sometimes.
there's a big difference between 'useful' muscle and the sort of muscle you build working out. Most farmers I know will outdo most gym bunnies I know, but it's a v particular set of muscles they build. Same with old-fashioned soldiering.
Many of the British VC recipients are notably small. Then there's the US most decorated soldier of WW2, Audie Murphy. He was something like 5' 5" and built like a matchstick, he looks like a child in a mans uniform in some photos. I've always suspected that being smaller means that you're less of a target to hit, rather than being some big shithouse that even a crappy marksman couldn't miss lol.
It has always amazed me how many soldiers do not partake in combat, besides being there, and are able to lay and watch true warriors perform their craft. Their reluctance to act just makes the valor shown to glow just that much more.
Whilst I understand your point (although I don't agree with it) you have to consider it in the light of most of the troops being war time conscripts and not full time pre war professional soldiers. I've had the 'pleasure' of being in many combat situations and the biggest issue has been holding the lads back!
I'm sure my grandfather who was from north Yorkshire told me about Stan Hollis. Whenever we went in his car for a drive towards staithes and Whitby he would drive past a place and told me the landlord had win the VC during d day. I even remember him telling me his name which was Stan . He had a pub but was tough as nails and wouldn't take any nonsense. I think he had a drink their once and said his pub was quite rough!!! Anyway my grandfather was from north Yorkshire and was very proud someone from his area had win a VC. He was a Bevan boy (hated it and wanted to serve) but was a little bit young . He done his national service and was in Malaysia where he fought against Communist"terrorists" as he called them . Also his best friend's dad was killed in the far east when he was a prisoner to the Japanese. He also knew a few others who where captured by the Japanese and hated them . He wouldn't have anything Japanese in the house. But he had so much respect and admiration for the ghurkas whom he served alongside with in Malaysia. He was an amazing man . Very quiet and very humble but loved his country but especially his county ( North Yorkshire) which he always referred to as god's own country!! Anyhow we north easterners are especially proud of Sgt Stan Hollis VC. What a legend from the finest generation. I take my young son to the local cemetery and show him the war graves and tell him so he knows that these brave men (and women) fought against Nazi world domination and helped to liberate Europe and the further world so we can live in peace now. 🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏
Good video, thanks! I had read about CSM Hollis in several books re the Normandy battles, and this video gave me more context re his actions. An impressive free man!!
Great little video of a true hero from my hometown, Middlesbrough. There is a celebration of his and others' heroics outside of the cenotaph, Albert Park, Middlesbrough, tonight, 6/6/24, @9pm to honour them.
Most soldiers who got through one of those battles count themselves fortunate. To have been at Dunkirk, El Alamein, Sicily and Normandy and been wounded four times was a feat of heroism in itself.
It’s to bad he passed away so young, cheers for the such a British hero, I think that’s how it is said over there? and thank you Sergeant Major from the USA
Great video! My children are direct descendants of Stanley (my sons middle name is Elton after his great great grandfather). I've recently been telling them this story. Your video helped give them a lot if context. Out of interest where did you find the video footage of him at the end of the vid? I've never seen it before.
Does anyone know whether his Victoria Cross has been returned to the Green Howards museum in Richmond, North Yorkshire ? I visited the museum a few years ago, especially to see the Hollis VC and to pay my respects to this incredible soldier, but the medal was on loan to the Imperial War Museum, who had mysteriously been "unable" to return it after the loan period.
For those who don't know, the victoria cross is similar to the medal of honor in the U.S. It is the greatest military decoration of the commonwealth and rarely given non-posthumously.
I'm sure I have a photo of his vc (may have been a replica) and the citation for it from a Ww2 museum in Normandy. It was just in a case on the wall. Amazing story behind his actions.
On my Leger trip to Normandy, we went too Gold beach and were told about CSM Hollis and visited the area where he led the attack. Brave men, all of them.
He used to work at Dorman Long Acklam steelworks in Middlesbrough after we war and worked alongside my father - they never got on. My father was a hero too, although he wasn’t awarded that particular medal, serving in the Royal Navy from 1939, and then from 1942 he was in the Royal Navy Commandos in North Africa, Italy and the Far East - and was there when Mountbatten received the surrender of Japanese forces in Singapore in 1945. Every man fighting, and many dying for freedom from tyranny are ALL heroes.
My dad served with the Green Howards in France, North Africa and Italy. His regimental number was two numbers short of Stan Hollis'. Dad never spoke about the war.
Hi all,
I just wanted to briefly add another story about C.S.M. Stanley Hollis that I didn't include in the video, as it wasn't an action that led to him being awarded the Victoria Cross.
On the 11 June 1944, five days after D-Day, the 6 Green Howards moved off to secure Point 102, which lies approximately 17km from Gold Beach near the village of Cristot. Although the advance initially progressed without incident, the leading elements of the Battalion soon encountered German positions that inflicted heavy casualties on the British Infantry. Eventually,
D Company was brought forward to takeover the advance, with C.S.M. Stanley Hollis leading a Platoon up a dirt track.
Within minutes, the Platoon was pinned down by a German Machine Gun post sited at the top of the track. Aware that the advance could not continue unless this enemy position was dealt with, C.S.M. Hollis crawled forward and got eyes-on the MG post, prior to him turning to a nearby soldier and asking for, and receiving, a hand grenade. The Sergeant Major then proceeded to launch the grenade in the direction of the enemy dug-out, but immediately afterwards he realised that he had forgotten to pull out the pin.
Subsequently, C.S.M. Hollis grabbed his Sten gun, charged up the track and reached the enemy position, where he began firing into it with his Sten, in the process killing two German soldiers and knocking out the Machine Gun post. In doing so, the Sergeant Major opened the way for his Platoon to continue the advance up the dirt track.
However, not long after, the whole of the 6 Green Howards began to withdraw from the area as the War Diary records:
"Owing to the threat by enemy tanks to our [Line of Communication's], the CO withdrew the Bn to [an area West of Cristot] and there the Bn dug-in at 2200hrs."
Can you please do a video on Charles Upham? Most decorated commonwealth solider of WW2 and only combat solider to win 2 VCs
I would have put that story in the pre-amble section of the vid. It helps get a better sense of who the guy was instead of a snapshot.
Legends!
@@rodsizle1274 having read mark of the Lion how could you get all he did in a 5 minute video. Even the powers that be agreed that in fact he should have received 3 VC's but combine two action into one citation!
Nice video and very informative and very entertaining and very satisfaction more videos.
Just think, when he was 59, just before he died. He wasn't to know that almost 50 years later, in 2021, 1000's of people would be watching a video of his actions and seeing what a hero he was. Legend.
😢❤
And i bet he would be amazed as he just thought he was just doing his duty and would have played it all down , yet with out him and many like him the war would never have been won . Respect :-)
...Seeing his heroism and thanking him and his guys from the bottom of my heart - for being born and raised in a free Europe...
I am glad that you covered CSM Hollis. He deserves to be better known. A very brave man.
Hope there's a statue for him somewhere
YT throws up these unexpected gems of bravery under fire and make you think - 'Could I have done that'? We hae lived a life of peace largely due to men like this so thank you Sir and RIP
A member of the greatest generation taken from us too young.
RIP Trooper.
Without a shadow of doubt it was the finest generation that Britain ever produced.
He’s one of my relatives my great grandma was his cousin
There is an addition to your story, two other soldiers accompanied CSM Hollis to the machine gun position one was my father and another my father reached up to throw a grenade into the gun position, and at the same time the machine gun let rip and he was wounded, for his bravery he was mentioned in despatch and received the oak leaf and he returned home, when he was fit he returned to fight and served in the army for 26 years.
Nice to hear VC stories that don't involve the recipient's death. Also wonderful to hear about Gold Beach which is often over shadowed by the stories of the American landing points. If you want to make me ecstatic, give us a story from Juno Beach. As a Canadian I've always felt that our contributions have been overshadowed by our larger allies. I'm sure any Aussies reading this can sympathize. Respect to Australia from a Canadian who's Great Grandfather was at Gallipoli (Royal Newfoundland Regiment).
Im English and know all about the Canadian heroics on Juno as I know all about Gallipoli in which my Grandfather fought and lost his best mates he hated the Turks till the day he died he went on to fight at Passchendaele and survived the war. As for gallipoli 32000 British KIA 11000 Anzacs KIA but always the Emphasis is on the Anzacs and thats not putting them down in any way as we all know how brave the Diggers are but the history writers seem to focus on certain aspects rather than the whole sorry story.
We the British people certainly haven't forgotten that Canada came to our aid and defence during WW2, also it's widely known that our Canadian brothers in arms fought with determination and dedication and fought way beyond their size. We haven't forgotten Dieppe and when you where outnumbered but still held German army off so they couldn't all escape through the falaise gap can't remember the name but it was at a hill just before falaise. Also can't forget you cleared the Scheldt estuary which meant we could use Antwerp and how you liberated large parts of Holland and crossed the Rhine. Canadians have been praised for fighting way beyond their numbers by British generals and leading British historian's ( James Holland for example) and I he digger's (Aussies) we admire them they where tough and fought amazing especially in the desert and the far east. We love and recognise our commonwealth Allies. Indian soldier's where constantly praised by their British officer's for dedication to duty and to fight in such tough conditions.. All love to our allies oh and without the US we wouldn't of won the war. Thank god for Roosevelt.and lest we forget those who died to fight nazi and Japanese tyranny of all nations 🙏🙏🙏
Forgot to add the mighty kiwi's and their contribution as well as south Africa and other African Allie's and not forgetting the most feared soldiers in the British army..the ghurkas. My grandad was forced down to he mines during the second world war but joined up after then was sent to Malaysia where he fought alongside the ghurkas and he was very impressed. I remember him being able to cook byrianis and other foods from Indian subcontinent because of this. He was in the British army as an infantry man fighting against a communist uprising and would never talk to anyone about his experiences. However I was military mad and was always asking him . Everyone told me to stop asking him but for some reason (probably because of my intense curiosity) he started opening up to me . But was very set against war and cried on rememberance day. He never drank with the exception of this day. He told me about his Enfield jungle carbine and how good and accurate the bren gun was. But also told me once about seeing flamethrowers used in caves and would always get upset if he seen one on TV he would immediately turn it off. He had only been talking to me about it for two years when he sadly passed away very unexpectedly and was all for people doing their bit in any way for the country. He was from north Yorkshire and he took me in the car and if it was just us two would tell me little snippets here and there. He had massive admiration for the ghurkas but also the Scots and the Yorkshire regiment's. I just wish I could of wrote everything down. My other grandfather passed away two years before I was born. However his service through the entire war was fully documented by his letters and his service records. He joined the royal navy at fifteen and just finished his service in 1938. And as soon as war was declared he joined up in the royal naval reserve where he served for the entire war. He was in arctic convoy duties and was a chief petty officer and was in the boiler room but at battle stations he was on an anti aircraft gun . Served all over the world and he was known to have a soft spot for the kiwi's who he served with a couple here and their but honestly the men where from all corners of the empire and he was very proud of the empire even though he was Scottish so gave his English subordinates a bit of stick here and there in friendly banter. I think they would of both loved this channel and would appreciate you bringing light to UK and commonwealth soldiers stories. They where a magnificent generation (WW2) lest we forget 🙏👍
🇬🇧🇨🇦🇭🇲🇳🇿
@@mophiustheone While I agree, there were no where near as many, so its understandable more stories will be written about the majority. Most people that have an interest in WW2 however do appreciate the contributions made make no mistake.
Got to feel for those poor 8 lads who were cut down 😥
Them craters at 2:06 were made by his gigantic balls of steel!
What a legend!
Now if only there was a film about this mans actions.
Yes what a good movie that would be .
Instead of, "bring up the machine gun" or "call for artillery support" the Green Howards just called for CSM Hollis.
he's my great uncle, I am very very proud!! thank you for this video!
This channel should have like 1 million subscribers.
Exactly my thoughts. The fact he only has less than 200k is pretty shocking.
@@JacobDutil it is indeed very sad.. he's always so accurate about everything.And he does justice to all that gave it all for our freedom.
A great man from the greatest generation in the gravest of times, many now owe this man 👊🏼
what an incredible human. really makes me proud to call the uk home
Innit bruv... 🙃
When one looks at the photographs of S.M. Hollis, he looks perfectly normal yet at the right time he behaves extraordinarily. Such is the character of Victoria Cross holders. May he rest in peace and the memory of his actions be exalted for many year to come.
Mr Hollis is from my hometown of Middlesbrough, the green Howards are our local regiment and are now part of the Yorkshire regiment. He ran pubs after the war and struggled with the demon drink but he was tough as old boots
The trauma suffered by many vets by what they had been through meant the war never ended for them. There was little understanding of PTSD and zero support. Absolute heroes the lot of them xx
You never call a CSM a Sgt. It's either Sgt-Maj, or Sir. This is an excellent remembrance, but every time you said 'Sgt', nails across a chalkboard. What an amazing man! Well done!!
Well...very humbling...and what a bloody HERO in the true sense of the word....a REAL man
Sergeant Major Stanley Hollis is that type a man a U.S. Marine would refer to as a
"Hard Charger".
Cheers to the Sgt. Major! 🍻
It was the fighting in land where it really became a nightmare for those men. over 8 Panzer divisions, 7 infantry divisions and 3 tiger tank battalions stood in the way of the British advance. For such a confined area, they faced A LOT of German armour.
Finally, a video on UA-cam with 0 dislikes. Your work is a true tribute! Well edited and narrated. It's cool to see the reconnaissance photos as well.
You spoke too soon
@@hughgrection4205 that I did sir :(
@@RandomGuyComments How can you possibly reconcile with a dislike on such as this, but mental diseases come in many forms
Thank you for highlighting his valor on D Day, hope you will be able to cover the other Victoria Cross recipients of the Normandy campaign. Great work.
I had heard of his first acrion of clearing the machine gun pit, but hadn't heard of the 2nd action involving the PIAT. CSM Hollis was a credit the British Army, he looks such an unassuming individual. As always LfE, well produced content. I look forward to your next production 👍
Wow some people have nerves of steel .
Thanks for putting out there names of real acts bravery that may have been left unknown!
Just when I thought this day couldn’t get better, liveth for evermore drops a vid
Man I wish I could've met him.😥 What a great warrior. Better than a movie hero.
Great to see a member of my local regiment (and a fellow Teessider) getting some deserved recognition
Ran pubs in North ormesby after the war, a tough old man
From my hometown of Middlesbrough. A statue of him was erected in 2015 at the cenotaph in the town centre.
I read the book "The Longest Day" when I was 15yo. about 45 years ago. Stanley Hollis was mentioned there, as he had a good meal and just slept very well after cleaning his Sten gun on the evening of the Normandy invasion. He was totally cool and not nervous at all. He was a veteran of Dunkirk and Alamein and was very confident too.
Never seen his picture before, soo thanks, nice story.
Brave! Badass! Fearless! What else can you say?
Another awesome guy! Thanks for these videos! Keep them coming!
He became a pub landlord in Middlesbrough and changed its name to the Green Howard. Apparently taking no crap from anyone! Hero! During the fight into Europe the Green Howard’s were almost totally wiped out,killed or wounded in action...... we should never forget!
You can still see the very lane that Green Howards advanced up from the beach (there is a tiny plaque on a beach hut there as I recall) and the lane leads up to the villa with the circular drive (nickname "lavatory pan villa" by the troops I think). The gun battery bunkers are still there too.
I'd love to see you cover Charles Upham, VC and bar. (New Zealand infantryman, WWII).
These guys were a completely different breed. Total respect.
total respect,gratitude and admireration,thank you sir.....
Glad people are still talking about my family and that his story still lives on even after all the years wish I had got to meet him Thankyou for this video 😢❤️
I like these kinds of videos describing the events of a single person, or a small team, they feel more involved and in depth. Videos describing a whole battle or event make it feel like we're missing a lot of information and details.
He was so brave and he survived the war! His courage looked so extreme I was asking myself: "Did he die next day trying to do the same thing again?" But he did it again! And he carried on until he was invalided out a few months later. Not reckless at all. Just a brave man with good judgement.
Top man, punching forward when required.
Something I've noticed is that most soldiers awarded their nations highest honour look like completely normal and unremarkable people. You'd think they'd be some Rambo-looking moutains of muscles but they usualy look like someone you'd pass by on the street without giving them a second thought.
Funny how life is stranger than fiction sometimes.
"Ordinary" people are capable of extraordinary things.
there's a big difference between 'useful' muscle and the sort of muscle you build working out. Most farmers I know will outdo most gym bunnies I know, but it's a v particular set of muscles they build. Same with old-fashioned soldiering.
Many of the British VC recipients are notably small. Then there's the US most decorated soldier of WW2, Audie Murphy. He was something like 5' 5" and built like a matchstick, he looks like a child in a mans uniform in some photos. I've always suspected that being smaller means that you're less of a target to hit, rather than being some big shithouse that even a crappy marksman couldn't miss lol.
This man should have a statue in Trafalgar Square; his name should be a household word as much as any other hero of the Second World War.
Excellent as usual.
Thanks.
Bruh what kind of sorcery is this?!
It has always amazed me how many soldiers do not partake in combat, besides being there, and are able to lay and watch true warriors perform their craft. Their reluctance to act just makes the valor shown to glow just that much more.
Whilst I understand your point (although I don't agree with it) you have to consider it in the light of most of the troops being war time conscripts and not full time pre war professional soldiers.
I've had the 'pleasure' of being in many combat situations and the biggest issue has been holding the lads back!
Amazing video, can you go over the battle of Mogadishu next? I think you’d be best for explaining such an important battle
He's British, what did you expect? To die so young is/was a damned shame. God Bless him.
I'm sure my grandfather who was from north Yorkshire told me about Stan Hollis. Whenever we went in his car for a drive towards staithes and Whitby he would drive past a place and told me the landlord had win the VC during d day. I even remember him telling me his name which was Stan . He had a pub but was tough as nails and wouldn't take any nonsense. I think he had a drink their once and said his pub was quite rough!!! Anyway my grandfather was from north Yorkshire and was very proud someone from his area had win a VC. He was a Bevan boy (hated it and wanted to serve) but was a little bit young . He done his national service and was in Malaysia where he fought against Communist"terrorists" as he called them . Also his best friend's dad was killed in the far east when he was a prisoner to the Japanese. He also knew a few others who where captured by the Japanese and hated them . He wouldn't have anything Japanese in the house. But he had so much respect and admiration for the ghurkas whom he served alongside with in Malaysia. He was an amazing man . Very quiet and very humble but loved his country but especially his county ( North Yorkshire) which he always referred to as god's own country!! Anyhow we north easterners are especially proud of Sgt Stan Hollis VC. What a legend from the finest generation. I take my young son to the local cemetery and show him the war graves and tell him so he knows that these brave men (and women) fought against Nazi world domination and helped to liberate Europe and the further world so we can live in peace now. 🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏
That was a waste of time and life. My preferred invasion is Germany, 1940. Peace be unto you.
Great presentation of a great man, even your voice is perfect...
Good video, thanks! I had read about CSM Hollis in several books re the Normandy battles, and this video gave me more context re his actions. An impressive free man!!
A local hero and as brave as they come, I salute you Stanley Hollis.
Forward thinking, brave and doesn't leave his men behind - almost everything you want in a soldier.
Great little video of a true hero from my hometown, Middlesbrough. There is a celebration of his and others' heroics outside of the cenotaph, Albert Park, Middlesbrough, tonight, 6/6/24, @9pm to honour them.
This was the ONLY Victoria Cross awarded on the 6th June.
My late father in law was with CSM Hollis on Gold Beach. He was also a Bren gunner but I don't know if he was involved in that action.
Legends all of them!
from my regiment and area,absolute hero,had a pub called the green howard
A fellow green Howard
Great statue of him in his home town Middlesbrough
Most soldiers who got through one of those battles count themselves fortunate. To have been at Dunkirk, El Alamein, Sicily and Normandy and been wounded four times was a feat of heroism in itself.
Love these videos. I watch as many as I can and get a lot of ideas for making Arma 3 missions
Thank you for your service Sir
Excellent presentation of actions of a fine, brave, leader.
My 2nd cousin's name is listed on the memorial with the statue of C.S.M Hollis in the village of Crepon.
I’m amazed he made it off the landing craft, considering the weight of his massive balls
Excellent!
I donated the Jacob Kramer portrait of C S M Stanley Hollis to the Green Howards Museum in Richmond
Nice museum, well worth a visit - as is the rest of Richmond.
Thank you Stanley.
What a hero! So sad he died so young after all his valour to save lives
I had the honour of taking is brother to Normandy .and at the statue of is brother he spread is ashes very touching
It’s to bad he passed away so young, cheers for the such a British hero, I think that’s how it is said over there? and thank you Sergeant Major from the USA
Amazing.
There's a statue of csm Stanley hollis at the cenotaph in middlesbrough
So proud to have been a Green Howard like CSM Hollis. Never forgotten by our regiment
Thank you Grandad - Thank you Papa
❤🇬🇧
Great video! My children are direct descendants of Stanley (my sons middle name is Elton after his great great grandfather). I've recently been telling them this story. Your video helped give them a lot if context.
Out of interest where did you find the video footage of him at the end of the vid? I've never seen it before.
Nice to hear a story about d day that doesn’t involve Omaha beach for once.
Does anyone know whether his Victoria Cross has been returned to the Green Howards museum in Richmond, North Yorkshire ?
I visited the museum a few years ago, especially to see the Hollis VC and to pay my respects to this incredible soldier, but the medal was on loan to the Imperial War Museum, who had mysteriously been "unable" to return it after the loan period.
For those who don't know, the victoria cross is similar to the medal of honor in the U.S. It is the greatest military decoration of the commonwealth and rarely given non-posthumously.
What a brave Man ,one of many ,and what a gutsey indevidual...
We are indebted to all who served thank Hollis
Impressive
I'm sure I have a photo of his vc (may have been a replica) and the citation for it from a Ww2 museum in Normandy. It was just in a case on the wall. Amazing story behind his actions.
Outstanding soldiering!!
Truly an inspiration. That thumbnail photo though, woof. "He was rewarded for his valiant service with carrots and sugar cubes."
Brave. What a guy.
On my Leger trip to Normandy, we went too Gold beach and were told about CSM Hollis and visited the area where he led the attack.
Brave men, all of them.
Not forgotten in the town of his birth with a school named after him.
What a great man.
The real deal, a real hero, thank you Sir
Well done lad.
He used to work at Dorman Long Acklam steelworks in Middlesbrough after we war and worked alongside my father - they never got on. My father was a hero too, although he wasn’t awarded that particular medal, serving in the Royal Navy from 1939, and then from 1942 he was in the Royal Navy Commandos in North Africa, Italy and the Far East - and was there when Mountbatten received the surrender of Japanese forces in Singapore in 1945. Every man fighting, and many dying for freedom from tyranny are ALL heroes.
To die so young while having done so much. He was a real hero.
Brave man a hero 👍🇬🇧
Amazing leadership!
I like to think that if I was pushed that I could preform like he did. Hopefully I’ll never have to find out.
What an amazing man, it's a shame he only live to be 59.
My dad served with the Green Howards in France, North Africa and Italy. His regimental number was two numbers short of Stan Hollis'. Dad never spoke about the war.
A real veteran of many battles...
A pivotal part of the war, when even the most humble individual, had to stand up and propel himself into the annals of history
W.O.1's and 2's, the backbone of any army...
Proof respect is earned 💯