A British War Medal awarded to Second Lieutenant C. V. Holder, King’s Shropshire Light Infantry, late London Regiment, who was killed in action at Delville Wood, 24 August 1916

British War Medal 1914-20 (2 Lieut. C. V. Holder) good very fine £40-50

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, Medals from the Collection of Brigadier Brian Parritt, C.B.E..

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Charles Vincent Holder was born on 29 May 1885 at Cornwall House, Lavender Hill, London. On leaving school he went to the Royal Academy to study painting and after qualifying became a professional artist. With the onset of war he volunteered for the Army on 8 August 1914, joining the 1st Battalion London Regiment. As a Private he entered the France/Flanders theatre of war on 6 January 1915. With them he saw action at the battle of L'Epinette, the defence of Ypres and the actions at Hooge and the Menin Road. On 25 October 1915 Private Holder returned to England to be commissioned, and on 1 November became a 2nd Lieutenant in the 9th Battalion Kings Shropshire Light Infantry. After training, he returned to France and was posted to the 5th (Service) Battalion Kings Shropshire Light Infantry.

As part of the Somme offensive, South African forces in the face of bitter opposition had captured Delville Wood suffering 766 dead. The Wood was however not totally cleared and in August 1916, 42 Brigade, 14 (Light) Division that included the 5th Battalion K.S.L.I. were given the task. By 21 August the Battalion had reached trenches at the edge of Delville Wood and at 05.45am went ‘Over the Top’. They had initial success but were not supported from the flank and in the face of severe artillery and machine gun fire were forced back to their original trench and then to the second line trench. They had captured two officers and 115 German soldiers but had suffered 201 casualties. 2nd Lieutenant Holder was among the seven 2nd lieutenants killed in the attack.

In 1917 when the Allies advanced through Delville Wood Holder's identity discs were found on his body. However his body was not recovered for official burial and his name was commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial. Sold with copied service papers, m.i.c., and other research.