Allegiance United Kingdom Name Vivian Hollowday Rank Corporal Education Worksop College | Service number 935282 Service/branch Royal Air Force Awards George Cross | |
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Born 13 October 1916
Ulceby, Lincolnshire, England ( 1916-10-13 ) Crematorium Bedford Cemetery and Crematorium Died April 15, 1977, Bedford, United Kingdom | ||
Corporal Vivian Hollowday GC (born 13 October 1916 in Ulceby, Lincolnshire, died 15 April 1977, in Bedford, Bedfordshire), sometimes 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.
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 first rescue attempt was 2 July 1940 and the second attempt was 27 August 1940. The following citation was printed in the London Gazette of 21 January 1941.
The King has been graciously pleased to approve the award of the George Cross to the undermentioned: -
935282 Aircraftman First Class Vivian Hollowday.
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.