The Incredible story of a D-Day Hero - the life of Stan Hollis VC

[@redcoathistory]

Thanks to World of Warships for sponsoring this video. The World Of Warships 80th anniversary of D-Day event is now live! Please follow this link to try the game for free, and you'll also get a starter pack worth 25 EUR! wo.ws/3WSA1yE

[@ducthman4737]

For those who survived D Day it was just the beginning of the hell they would face. Many many many more would die or get seriously injured before the final victory. And for many, as you have shown, D-Day was just another day of their already years long war .

[@terryyakamoto3488]

I looked after an elderly gentleman who was in the Green Howards during the war. He had limited speech due to a stroke but I asked him if he'd met Hollis and he gave me a look that I can still remember. A look that suggested to me that you wouldn't for one second contemplate getting on the wrong side of Stan Hollis.

[@ramblingbunnyable]

It's possible that other men performed above and beyond but they and the witnesses didn't survive. A different breed of people.

[@redcoathistory]

Well I guess that is always the case. How many brave deeds have gone unrecognised because they weren't witnessed? Its the sad reality.

[@johndownes8265]

As an expat, living in Normandy, France, born and raised in Teesside, what a source of pride this man, Stanley Hollis is. I have just read about in the Evening Gazette. Well done in recounting his exploits. Great work.

[@windalfalatar333]

I love the fact that you tell the stories of men of all social classes in your videos, so that you get the experience of war from so many different perspectives.

[@toneydavis9802]

Thank you for bringing this hero and his heroic mates to my attention. I am sure there are a thousand heroic acts wevwill never hear of but we should.

[@tonysmith2721]

As a London cabbie I have had the privilege and honour to meet quite a few Second World War veterans. It’s a crying shame that very very few of these brave men think that the country we have today was worth all the suffering and pain that they went through.

[@andygeorgeparkinson2515]

Incredible that he fought so long and so hard always at the centre of the actions from 1939 right up until October 1944 , thank goodness he survived , what a great example he set to so many and so glad he got the recognition he deserved for all his actions not just D Day with that VC 👏👏👏. Great video presentation 👍

[@diannegooding8733]

Incredible action. Very brave and disciplined CSM. He was definitely worthy of the award.

[@calliecooke1817]

As an American, I've heard so much about Omaha and Utah. But, I really don't know that much about Sword, Gold, and Juno. Really appreciated this video. Thanks. Cheers !!

[@redcoathistory]

Thanks a lot. It was certainly a team effort.

[@flamingdonut9456]

It's great how his town remembers him. A true hero.

[@redcoathistory]

Yep, good to see he's not been forgotten. Would you like me to cover more WW1 and WW2 stories?

[@flamingdonut9456]

@@redcoathistory I wouldn't mind. The D Day series has been good. I grew up hearing about great grandfathers, great aunts, uncles and grandparents during the first and second, so have more connection to those wars. Along with Saturday afternoon films on the sofa!. I enjoy all your videos, really. We tend to forget our heroes, so I'm glad you are doing this channel covering some of them. Keep up the great work.

[@hughzapretti-boyden9187]

Stanley was a geezer & no mistake. I've walked his path & doffed my cap at his monument in Normandy.👍

[@hansla8608]

Thank you for telling us the story of CSM Hollis! What an NCO.

[@redcoathistory]

Glad you enjoyed it! He really was an incredible man.

[@SmoggieManx]

Another great video mate! So i'm actually from near Middlesbrough and grew up learning about Stanley Hollis VC thanks to my dad who's always been keen on local history It's fantastic that we now have the statue to Hollis, and whenever i'm back up in the North East, me and my dad always make an effort to visit and pay our respects

[@redcoathistory]

Thanks a lot. Do you think I should do more content on WW1 and WW2?

[@SmoggieManx]

@redcoathistory Oh yeah definitley! I'm especially interested in anything WW1 related

[@nc5009]

The DLI had a fantastic museum, ( plenty of VCs there) and Adam Wakenshaws gun, however, thanks to the Labour council it no longer exists, a great loss to our heritage. It's worthy of a mention that Stan Hollis suffered horrendous PTSD, which stayed with him the rest of his life. The "Frankies" (Green Howards) lasted a long time it's was a pity they were amalgamated after 300 plus years. They were a rough bunch of lads when I knew them.

[@SSN515]

Labour are like the Democrats here in the US aren't they? Why did they get rid of it? Somebody was triggered? They all seem to be hell bent to erase history.

[@zetectic7968]

For many it was a hard life before WW2 & not an easy one after it. As an older man I'm sure the officers expected him to show a good example to the men & by his actions, promotions & VC they proved that he did.

[@hetfieldstoilet]

As a Sunderland lad, its VauX,,, heavy on the X,, And the statue is tremendous.

[@welshwarrior5263]

A well told story for a brave man.

[@redcoathistory]

Thanks mate. Previous videos had looked at his actions in 6th of June, I wanted to take a deeper dive. Glad you liked it.

[@ducatiboy6668]

I was at both locations of his actions ie the disgused pillbox and Crepon village last week. Outstanding NCO.

[@redcoathistory]

Brilliant - must have been fascinating to walk the ground.

[@ducatiboy6668]

@@redcoathistory it was an amazing experience that will live with me forever. Even though I've been to Normandy before this visit was something very special I think because in reality it's the last time we are likely to see a small but significant number of veterans there. 🇬🇧🇨🇦🇺🇲🇲🇫

[@keithagn]

Great story, and a great and brave man! Hollis fought the whole war from start to finish, as well. Thank you!

[@terryyakamoto3488]

I work as a staff nurse and when looking after people of that era often ask them what they did during the war. History focuses on the battles, but the men who served abroad often recount resentment at having to spend years away from home during their youth.

[@californiadreamin8423]

A few days before 6th June 2014, I rode by motorbike from Paris where I was working, to the excellent museum at Mt Ormel, Falaise, Bayeux, and camped in Arromanches. The atmosphere was fantastic as the French celebrated their liberation. The next morning in pouring rain I headed for Pegasus Bridge. Unexpectedly I saw a sign “Green Howards Memorial “ so heading inland I came to Crepon . A cyclist , soaking wet, led me to the Memorial commemorating their liberation and the bravery of the Green Howards and Stan Hollis. I explained that my father was in 50th division at Dunkirk and we lived near to Middlesbrough. After talking photos I prepared to continue to Pegasus Bridge , when a car pulled up driven by the cyclist in his best suit. He was the Mayor of Crepon and invited me to a memorial service the following week, which I attended. There was a small parade by veterans and speeches , but what really impressed me were the large number of local French people of all ages, who attended and their dignified appreciation for their liberation. Crepon is well worth a visit, and a little further south is located the first HQ of Montgomery.

[@rupertdebeer]

I agree. Living in Lion sur Mer (Sword Beach) I'm not far from Crépon, which is a delightful village. The Green Howards' statue is one of the most moving of the many commemorations here, showing a dog tired Tommy recovering after what would have been an exhausting day. For the record, Monty's first HQ was in the gardens of the nearby Château de de Creully. Monty preferred his caravan to the comforts of the château, but was provided with a chamber pot by the owner! maps.app.goo.gl/xgT9ADrE2poQt3w88

[@ryanziegler1410]

Thanks for the video, Chris. Great as always!

[@redcoathistory]

Thanks Ryan. WW2 not my usual AO but was good to dip my toe in. Would you be keen to see more?

[@ryanziegler1410]

I would actually love to see more about the Second World War. There's something about those early years when Britain stood alone. Very inspiring!

[@3vimages471]

God Bless Stanley and all those men ....... such a shame what England has become since those great men fought for her. The memory of those men has been betrayed.

[@davidhoward4715]

Look how the current Conservative government treats veterans. The Tories and Reform believe British soldiers in WW2 fought on the wrong side.

[@brokenbridge6316]

Yarnhub did a video on this guy. But mostly it was about his D-Day exploits. It made me think that Hollis was a foul-mouthed Rambo type of character. Glad to know a bit more about his very brave man.

[@redcoathistory]

Thanks. I saw their thumbnail for the film and didn't like it. I was keen to tell a broader story.

[@brokenbridge6316]

@@redcoathistory---Your welcome. And you did a pretty good job of it.

[@cameronsimpson-ld8nk]

Another cracking story Chris

[@TE4358g]

A remarkable man!

[@redcoathistory]

Hard as nails for sure.

[@YorkGod1]

Stanley Hollis a Yorkshireman! Good job man!

[@tomtaylor6163]

Great story. Love the live beach landing footage and honoring the fallen footage

[@redcoathistory]

Thanks for watching - it was incredible to get to wade ashore and meet so many veterans.

[@anselmdanker9519]

Thanks for covering the only VC awarded on D Day 😊

[@redcoathistory]

No problem, thanks mate.

[@fus149hammer5]

Capt Cousins of the Royal Marines was recommended for the VC after leading an attack at Port-En-Bessin the next day. It would have been a posthumous award but the recommendation was turned down as his extraordinary display of courage was expected of a Royal Marine. Extraordinary courage shown by ordinary men in extraordinary circumstances. Heroes all.🫡

[@johnd8137]

I wish I was old enough to talk to my relatives who had fought in the second world war. but by the time I was born the only person left of that generation was my Granny who was 10 when the war started and all people on both sides of my family who fought in the war or where around then all died young.

[@FranciscoPreira]

Great video, thanks for sharing.

[@redcoathistory]

Thanks mate - my video on the Portuguese is out in two or three weeks also.

[@sausagesoda4090]

Be interesting to see some videos from yourself on the Irish regiments, inniskilling fusiliers, Ulster Rifles, 36th Ulster division. Great video as always. Cheers

[@redcoathistory]

Thanks mate- yep that would be good actually so will add to my list.

[@petergent1970]

At the beginning, you stated Stan was from Loftus in East Cleveland, infact he was born in North Ormesby, and his family lived 2 streets away from my grandfather, he was born on Archibald street 1912 and then moved to Robin Hoods Bay, when his dad was wounded in WW1, my late grandfather knew, Stan and my late father knew Stans children Brian and Pauline farely well.. not everything you see on wikipedia or google is the correct information

[@redcoathistory]

Excellent info but for the record my source was the Northern Echo newspaper as stated in the film...not wikipedia. Thanks and all the best.

[@adoramus]

Great content. Thank you. Grettings from Poland!

[@redcoathistory]

Thanks for watching...I must do a video on our Polish brothers one day also. Any good books I should look up?

[@adoramus]

@@redcoathistory It would be wonderful if you could make a video on the First Polish Armoured Division. There is a good book in English by Evan Mcgilvray on this unit. Greetings from Warsaw.

[@allanburt5250]

Excellent Chris

[@redcoathistory]

Thanks a lot. Do you think I should do more content on WW1 and WW2?

[@allanburt5250]

@redcoathistory both for me mate, appreciate that's not an easy answer but I am fascinated by both the periods, and think most of the guys are., along with your regular Red Coat History inputs, I look forward to them .. cheers

[@peterdeighton3304]

as a green Howard thank you again shared on green Howard groups on Facebook

[@redcoathistory]

Thanks, Peter. I hope I did the lads and the unit justice.

[@peterdeighton3304]

@@redcoathistory yes of course thank you

[@PaulDriscoll-c4p]

I'm so glad to see this my dad ore i should say my grandad he and my grandmother adopted me when I was 3 years old so mum and dad to me and good parents thay were he was in the green Howard's dad was 20 years old love you dad and bless you and all the boys and girls ❤

[@danielwood9332]

I served 10 years as a rifleman and will always wonder why the ox and bucks (And engineer detachment) never were awarded a individual honour they should of gotten. Obviously not denying Stanley hollis deserved his, but the very first allied soldiers to land at a potentially pointless endeavour, they decisively took and held there ground under a promise only. The ox and bucks being a precursor to the modern day Rifle regiment I was part of, but surely leading your men into the unknown and being entirely successful is worthy of the highest esteem. But regardless, up the ox and bucks

[@redcoathistory]

Thanks mate - I am hoping to research a film about the Ox and Bucks in the future.

[@ducthman4737]

An old man . He was just 32 on D day.

[@ducthman4737]

@@mjspice100 You grow old in war very fast. Sad that surviving the war he died so young at 59.

[@janlindtner305]

Great presentation Chris, keep it up. Remember Major Anders Lassen WC. MC 2 Bar❤👍🤟

[@redcoathistory]

Thanks Jan. Oh yes, his story is incredible...Will add to my list of future films.

[@calvanoni5443]

After watching another D Day show yesterday, they said the Canadians made it the furthest in the first day. So there might be a problem with that claim?

[@keithagn]

Yes, that is what I've always been told, and read about.

[@terrybrennan2545]

Makes me proud to be a Yorkshireman (an Airborne one)

[@redcoathistory]

Excellent. You certainly should be proud. Thanks mate.

[@JamesThomas-gg6il]

The statue depicts a STEN not a BREN, missed opportunity there i think.

[@calvanoni5443]

Bravo!

[@chadrowe8452]

Because he was a green Howard

[@steveforster9764]

A pre war Territorial soldier

[@DraigBlackCat]

I know it looks like it should be pronounced voe as in the great French fort of WW1, but the Sunderland Brewery Company Vaux has the x voiced, so it is pronounced vorks. As a student at the uni there I spent many a pleasant evening in The Brewery Tap pub right alongside the Vaux plant and they were always on the regional news for something or other as one of the town's biggest employers after shipbuilding ceased and they were shirt sponsors of Sunderland AFC and there were numerous TV adverts for Vaux Double Maxim brown ale (far better than that swill from up at Newcastle) and Samson ales - the football club's black cat mascot takes his name from this ale. It is a shame that Middlesbrough's local Brewery, Camerons, didn't name a beer after Stan, Hollis VC - perhaps they might have stopped him defecting to Vaux!

[@terryyakamoto3488]

Camerons was Hartlepool, Mr Cat. No brewery in the Boro back in the day. Was very impressed at the orderliness the Sunderland fans displayed as they left the SOL during that fire drill at last seasons 0-4 game

[@DraigBlackCat]

@terryyakamoto3488 That feeling of safety must be why you lot decided to stay in the championship then! It wasn't a fire drill though, the stewards had told us that your fans were feeling claustrophobic with so many people being in the stadium, so some fans agreed to leave early so you lot could breath in the fresh air without going into a panic attack! 😉 Camerons, being the closest, made it de facto 'boro's local brewery - unless your Yorkshire heritage made you look toward Thirsk and Tadcaster. My best mates from uni were a monkey hanger (went on to work at North Tees General) and a smoggie (who moved to Carlisle - obviously for his respiratory health). Happy days with plenty of banter as, fortunately, I'm not a rabid mackem with a hatred of everyone else. Any idea what's happening with the Transporter?

[@terryyakamoto3488]

@@DraigBlackCat Sorry Mr Cat, don't know anything about the tranny. Our council is skint so it'll probably be moribund forever. Never been a big fan of it as when I was a child I got my head caught in the gates at the front as it was going across. My dad was so embarrassed that they stopped it because of me he literally pulled me free by my waist. Middlesbrough isn't in Yorkshire, it is in Teesside, it says it on my birth certificate

[@keithdurose7057]

Vaux breweries generously donated beer to 11 Field Squadron, RE. At Ripon, North Yorkshire. After the Sqn returned from post Falklands leave. August 1982. Thank you, Vaux breweries. A very welcome and considerate act.

[@brianford8493]

Lest we firget indeed.✌️

[@decalogueten]

Have to ask what's with the poster/picture behind you early in the video with the word Zoulou? Here in South Africa it is Zulu

[@redcoathistory]

Belgium poster for the film. Thanks

[@lukemurley]

Great video and fitting tribute to a heroic man. My only criticism is your mangled pronunciation of Gravelines. It's grav-ell-een.

[@DaDaW9762]

How 'ard?!!... Green Howard!! How Mental!!??.. Regimental!!!

[@jasonkaraszkiewicz1025]

This is no surprise seeing the brutal fighting on D-Day was fought by the Americans

[@redcoathistory]

Strange comment.

[@fus149hammer5]

I'm shocked they're renaming a school after him! Imagine that? Renaming a school after a genuine local war hero and not just some poxy politician or woke campaigner!

[@livingadreamlife1428]

Superman wore Stan Hollis pajamas.

[@redcoathistory]

Great comment!

[@khalidmohak6708]

@redcoathistory were you a RM? I was a Para, B Coy 3 Para. After B Coy 4 Para. 2006-2010. I'm hereditary African (former British Somaliland) but live in Uganda now. Make one about the Kings African Rifles please. Both grandfather's severed, seperated battalions. appreciate it

[@redcoathistory]

@@khalidmohak6708 Hello mate. Thanks a lot for the comment. Funnily enough I’ve been to Somalia and Somaliland. I actually really liked both places. No, I wasn’t in the military - just worked alongside them a lot as a civilian. I’m definitely keen to do something on the Kings African Rifles. Thanks for flagging.

[@khalidmohak6708]

@@redcoathistory Appreciated.

[@Skipper.17]

Funny how 16 Americans won the medal of honour on d-day yet only one V.C. Shows how hard it is to win a Victoria Cross.

[@hughzapretti-boyden9187]

The americans give soldiers a medal just for learning to fire a rifle.🤭

[@chadrowe8452]

​@@hughzapretti-boyden9187most Americans already owned a rifle and knew how to shoot

[@hughzapretti-boyden9187]

@@chadrowe8452 not many turned up with rifles in WWI. They turned up with next to nothing. No planes, no tanks, no artillery, no helmets, no nothing.

[@chadrowe8452]

@hughzapretti-boyden9187 the United States marine Corp taught the French army how to shoot in 1918 after France had already been at war for 4 years. The marines got to the positions and asked the French why aren't you shooting and the French said it's too far. And the marines proved that 800+meters was not too far for a Springfield

[@hughzapretti-boyden9187]

@@chadrowe8452 where did you dig up that info? Considering the first US attempt at action was one lone division on May 28th 1918! The french didn't need anyone to show them how to shoot, they suffered the best part of 6million casualties. American revisionist history is legendary.

[@colinjones7741]

I thought there were 3 VCS there were 2 at gold beach won by the south wales borderers.

[@redcoathistory]

I don't believe that to be the case Colin. Perhaps they won them later in the campaign?

[@tonywatson1412]

And the americans got purple hearts for pissin straight....according to my father....And he should know...he drove a truck through with supplies ...

[@CarolWoosey-ck2rg]

That would be about right- like that for pissing straight😂

[@shelonnikgrumantov5061]

Did have have children? Why and who auctioned the medals?

[@davesherry5384]

Why arn't all VCs automatically become members of the house of Lords? Imagine what a place that would be with those brave people running the show instead of the shit show we currently have

[@redcoathistory]

An interesting idea. Though I would never deny the valour of any VC award recipient, I think we also need to be careful of putting them on a pedestal where we assume that they would make great politicians or civic leaders. But you are right, they'd probably be better than what we have now.

[@adamcarrier1543]

Considering how few there are, I think it would be a great idea - there is very little voice for serving soldiers in our politics as it is.

[@davidhoward4715]

@@adamcarrier1543 Look at the current Conservative Party government. They do everything but spit on the graves of fallen servicemen and women, and spit in the faces of our current veterans.

[@romsebrell710]

Ridicolo ed inconsistente...... Un eroe del NULLA. Ancora a vantarvi di quell'episodio..........ma se siete così bravi. Ora in Ucraina. ARRANGIATEVI!!!.

[@californiadreamin8423]

A few days before 6th June 2014, I rode by motorbike from Paris where I was working, to the excellent museum at Mt Ormel, Falaise, Bayeux, and camped in Arromanches. The atmosphere was fantastic as the French celebrated their liberation. The next morning in pouring rain I headed for Pegasus Bridge. Unexpectedly I saw a sign “Green Howards Memorial “ so heading inland I came to Crepon . A cyclist , soaking wet, led me to the Memorial commemorating their liberation and the bravery of the Green Howards and Stan Hollis. I explained that my father was in 50th division at Dunkirk and we lived near to Middlesbrough. After talking photos I prepared to continue to Pegasus Bridge , when a car pulled up driven by the cyclist in his best suit. He was the Mayor of Crepon and invited me to a memorial service the following week, which I attended. There was a small parade by veterans and speeches , but what really impressed me were the large number of local French people of all ages, who attended and their dignified appreciation for their liberation. Crepon is well worth a visit, and a little further south is located the first HQ of Montgomery.

[@redcoathistory]

Fantastic story - thanks for sharing.

[@californiadreamin8423]

@@redcoathistory I became good friends with the Frenchman I bought my motorbike from. I was invited months before to stay a few days very close to the cafe at Pegasus Bridge but wasn’t sure I’d get time off, and there were lots of security passes to apply for as Obama was there. On the spur of the moment a few days before I threw gear on my motorbike and set off. The museum at Mt Ormel was simply excellent, and my route took me through the Normandy campaign in reverse. Flags of the allied nations were flying everywhere and as I approached Arromanches , the number of period vehicles, jeeps , ambulances etc… increased. The municipal camp site was packed with them and I pitched among them. I was troubled at first by the party atmosphere, expecting a more “respectful “ atmosphere. I then realised that the “Débarquement Normandie” was a celebration of liberation, and no disrespect to the sacrifice was intended. I was hungry and decided that if ever I was going to be served fish n chips it would be in Arromanches, and I was correct. After Crépon I continued along the coast road to Pegasus Bridge and soaked in the atmosphere before heading back to Paris via the Goodwood route, following my nose through the rebuilt villages such as Bourgebus . The following week as well as the ceremony in Crépon, I was invited to a very enjoyable civic reception, where I was made very welcome by the Mayor and his wife. I should go back. Top of my list is to visit Crevecoeur Le Grand , just north of Beauvais. My Dad was stationed there as a 20 year old RAMC conscript in the 150 Field Ambulance, 50th Division, in late 39 and 40. The army units in the area played football in the local French league, and as well as playing for his unit, he played for Crevecoeur too. There were lots of complaints because he was a good centre forward !! I want to see if any records have been kept. The French are very proud of their football, rightly so. Subsequent events spoilt things, but he saw lots of the French countryside between Arras, Ypres and Dunkerque.