Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A scarce ‘Arab Legion’ M.B.E. group of eight awarded to Captain W. M. Holman, Royal Artillery, who, having been wounded and taken P.O.W. in Crete in May 1941, managed three days on the run in Munich before succumbing to exhaustion and starvation: a successful secondment to the Arab Legion having followed in 1948-50, he was posthumously mentioned in despatches for his gallantry and self-sacrifice in Korea on 3 January 1951 - just two days after his M.B.E. was gazetted

The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (M.B.E.) Military Division, type 2; 1939-45 Star; Africa Star; War Medal 1939-45; General Service 1918-62, 1 clasp, Palestine 1945-48 (Capt. W. M. Holman, R.A.); Korea 1950-53, with M.I.D oak leaf (Capt. W. M. Holman, M.B.E., R.A.); U.N. Korea 1950-54; Efficiency Medal, G.VI.R., 1st issue, Territorial (891126 Sgt. W. M. Holman, R.A.), together with Jordan, Service Medal, in its card box of issue, and Heavy Weight Boxing, Water Polo and One Mile R.A. prize awards 1946-48, all named, generally good very fine or better (8) £3000-4000

M.B.E. London Gazette 1 January 1951. The original recommendation states:

‘Captain Holman acted as a Battery Commander in 1st Field Artillery Regiment, Arab Legion, from October 1948 to December 1949. During this period by his ability, energy and leadership he not only produced a first class battery starting with almost entirely untrained gunners, but by hard work and firm attention to detail he was largely instrumental in producing the very high standard of individual training which was the basis of further expansion, and enabled it to take place.

From 4 December 1949 to 14 February 1950, he was acting C.O. of the Regiment and it was clear that the Regiment owed much to his wise planning in this transition period. From 14 February 1950 until 14 August 1950, he commanded his battery with the distinction that had come to be expected from him. This officer during his secondment has been a good servant to the Arab Legion, and an admirable representative of the Royal Artillery.’

William Montague Holman, who was born in London in February 1921, enlisted in the 92nd Field Regiment, Royal Artillery (Territorials) in March 1939. Mobilised on the renewal of hostilities, he was posted to No. 151 Battery, 51 H.A.A. Regiment in February 1940, advanced to Sergeant and embarked for Norway, where he served until being evacuated in June.

Next embarked with his battery for the Middle East, he was wounded in the arm and taken P.O.W. at Sternes, Crete on 28 May 1941. Initially held in Salonika, he was transferred to Stalag VIIA, north-east of Dachau and Munich in August 1941, from whence, in February 1942, he made a bid for freedom: he was at liberty in the Munich area for three days but had to give himself up on account of near starvation and exhaustion. He was later transferred to Stalag 383, where he was liberated in May 1945.

Post-war, Holman served in No. 41 Field Regiment, R.A. in Palestine 1946-47, prior to being seconded to the Arab Legion - it was on the recommendation of Glubb Pasha that he received a commission in the Regular Army. Thus his subsequent posting as a Captain to 45 Field Regiment, R.A. in Korea, where he was killed in action on 4 January 1951.

It was only following testimonials received from returning P.O.Ws that he was successfully recommended for a posthumous mention in despatches, which distinction was announced in the London Gazette of 12 June 1954. The recommendation states:

‘Captain Holman was commanding a Cromwell tank, part of a small force formed from R.A. and 8th Hussar resources. On 3 January 1951 this force was supporting 1st R.U.R. who were on the left of 29 Brigade covering Seoul. 1st R.U.R. group started to withdraw after dark. Part of the last two companies with whom the tanks were moving were ambushed by a large force of Chinese.

Confused and fierce fighting took place. Captain Holman stood fully exposed in the turret and disregarding enemy fire directed the fire of his 75mm. gun. Twice he personally put out fires which started at the rear end of his tank.

When the Chinese approached closely Captain Holman called for grenades which he threw himself. Later he called for a Sten gun with which he stopped several rushes. At this time he was badly wounded in the back but kept giving his crew fire orders until he slipped off the tank. A following tank picked him up and whilst lying on top he was again wounded. This tank got bogged down and Captain Holman, in great pain, ordered the crew to leave him and set off on foot. With great reluctance this they eventually did.

After being captured next morning the remainder of the crew were marched back past the site of the ambush where they saw Captain Holman’s body.

Captain Holman showed bravery and self-sacrifice to a very high degree. His indomitable courage under intense fire was an inspiration to his men and lived up to the highest traditions of the British Army.’

Holman has no known grave.

Sold with a quantity of original documentation, including the recipient’s original M.I.D. certificate, dated 18 June 1954 and Buckingham Palace memorial scroll; together with an old photograph album with assorted images of Gunner interest, a P.O.W. postcard to his parents for Christmas 1944, and a copy of The Story of the Arab Legion, by Brigadier John Glubb, (Hodder & Stoughton, London), with presentation inscription to Holman, dated 13 August 1950 and a typed copy of the recommendation for his M.B.E. pasted down opposite the title page.