Wilcox, John Holland

Date of birth:: September 25th, 1918
Date of death:: November 1999
Service number:: 126178
Nationality:: British

Biography

Wilcox's last place of duty was in Benghazi Lybia where he was assigned there to oversee the British occupation of Benghazi, and he was known as the Major of Benghazi.

Promotions:
?: Cadet;
16 March, 1940: 2nd Lieutenant The Welch Regiment
16 May, 1944: 1st Lieutenant
? Captain (temporary/war sub)
? Major (temporary/war sub)
30 June, 1946: released with the Honorary rank of major
26 November, 1953: Commission relinquished

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Military Cross (MC)

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:: Lieutenant
Unit:: 11 Battalion The Lancashire Fusiliers
Awarded on:: April 12th, 1945

Citation:
"On the afternoon of 16 October, 1944, The Battalion attacked and drove the enemy from Monte Ceco. By nightfall, Lieutenant WILCOX's Company had reached their objective, an isolated and important feature, Hill 734. Before first light the enemy prepared to counter attack from the left flank and at first light engaged the Company at 200 yards range. Lieutenant WILCOX was ordered to attack with his platoon. Directing the fire of his platoon and himself firing a Bren Gun, Lieutenant Wilcox so heavily engaged the enemy that they began to withdraw. Seizing the initiative. Lieutenant Wilcox immediately jumped up and fired at the enemy, killing or wounding four. Discarding his Bren for a Tommy Gun he then dashed forward and killed two more enemy and the remainder, about 15 strong, turned and ran. Regrouping his platoon, Lieutenant Wilcox then directed accurate fire at the disorganized enemy, accounting for several more and driving them completely from the hill. It was largely due to his enthusiasm, leadership and complete disregard for personal safety that the enemy counter attack on this important position was so completely and utterly defeated"

WO 373/10/520