Holden, George Walton

Date of birth:: September 16th, 1913
Date of death:: September 16th, 1943
Buried on:: Commonwealth War Cemetery Reichswald Forest
Plot: 15. Row: G. Grave: 16.
Nationality:: British (1801-present, Kingdom)

Biography

Service number 103484.

George Holden was posted to No. 617 "Dambuster" Squadron as Commanding Officer in August 1943.
He set on training to attack the Dortmund-Emms Canal.
On the date chosen, eight Lancaster's carrying 12000 lb Tallboys and escorted by six Mosquitoes of Fighter Command and two reserve Lancaster's set off. They were soon recalled though due to bad weather over the target area.
The next day the 15th they again set off in two groups and two different routes to the canal.
George Holden led the first group with Mick Martin, Les Knight and Harold Wilson. 20 miles from the target light flak opened up on Holden's group and he was hit in one of the petrol tanks and crashed in the Norhorn-Altendorf area on a farm house at Hesperweg where the Lancaster and its 12000 bomb blew up.

Promotions:
Temporary Warrant Officer
Augustus 9, 1941: Pilot Officer (probation)
July 24, 1942: Flying Officer (probation)
August 9, 1942: Flying Officer
August 27, 1942: Flight Lieutenant (war sub)
January 25, 1943: Squadron Leader (war sub)

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Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC)

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:: Warrant Officer
Unit:: No. 25 Squadron, Royal Air Force
Awarded on:: September 2nd, 1941

In July 1941, large-scale attacks were made on German warships at Brest and La Pallice (including the "Gneisenau", "Scharnhorst" and
"Prinz Eugen"). A smaller attack was made on Cherbourg. The operations were carried out in daylight and extremely heavy and accurate anti-aircraft fire and fighter opposition were encountered by all aircraft when approaching the targets, which at Brest was protected by a balloon barrage. The air crews engaged succeeded, nevertheless, in securing direct hits on their objectives and' in inflicting very severe damage in the target area. During the combats with enemy fighters 21 hostile aircraft were destroyed and others were severely damaged. The precise timing of attack by the various formations of aircraft and their correct approach to and accurate bombing of the objectives in the face of such powerful opposition; demanded great skill and high courage. The great success of these operations was largely due to the bravery, determination and resource displayed by the following officers and airmen, who participated in various capacities as leaders and members of the aircraft crews:"

Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC)

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:: Acting Wing Commander
Unit:: No. 102 (Ceylon) Squadron, Royal Air Force
Awarded on:: February 12th, 1943

Citation:
"One night in January, 1943, this officer captained an aircraft which attacked Lorient On the outward flight severe icing conditions were encountered and one of the outer engines failed The aircraft lost speed and height and was difficult to control. Despite this, Wing Commander Holden continued on his mission and bombed his target after flying over the area for some 20 minutes in order to ensure success. This officer has always displayed outstanding courage and determination to complete his allotted task."

Second DFC awarded a s a bar for on the ribbon of the first DFC.

Distinguished Service Order (DSO)

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:: Acting Wing Commander
Unit:: No. 102 (Ceylon) Squadron, Royal Air Force
Awarded on:: June 11th, 1943

Citation:
"Wing Cdr. Holdon has commmanded this squadron since October, 1943 during which time he has completed a number of successful operational sorties. In March, 1943, he captained a crew on their first sortie and obtained an excellent photograph. lt is typical of this officer's enthusiasm and devotion to duty that, although handicapped by ill-health, he continued wilh his tasks uncomplainingly."

Mentioned in Dispatches

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)

1939-1945 Star

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)

Air Crew Europe Star

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)

War Medal 1939-1945

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)

Sources

- The London Gazette Issue 35263 published on the 2 September 1941
- Third Supplement to The London Gazette Issue 35900 published on the 9 February 1943
- Fourth Supplement to The London Gazette Issue 36051 published on the 8 June 1943
- Bob Baxter's BOMBER COMMAND
- Flight Global - Archive