Hollowday, Vivian

Date of birth:: October 13th, 1916 (Ulceby/Lincolnshire, Great Britain)
Date of death:: April 15th, 1977 (Bedford, Bedfordshire, Great Britain)
Nationality:: British

Biography

Service number: 935282, was in service from September 1939. Later promoted to the rank of Corporal.
Vivian Hollowday's medals are on display in the Royal Air Force Museum in Hendon, Great Britain.

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George Cross

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:: Aircraftman, 1st Class
Unit:: No. 14 Flying Training School, Royal Air Force
Awarded on:: January 21st, 1941

"One night in July, 1940, when returning to camp, this airman observed an aircraft crash and burst into flames. He immediately proceeded to the wreckage and made his way through the burning debris which was scattered over a wide area by the force of the impact. He found the pilot whose clothing was on fire, and put out the flames with his bare hands. Had the pilot not been killed instantly in the crash this action would in all probability have saved his life. During August, 1940, this airman was again returning to the camp when an aircraft suddenly spun to the ground and exploded. He immediately went to the crash and a second explosion occurred. Ammunition was exploding all the time but despite this, he borrowed a gas mask, wrapped two sacks over himself and spent some time in the flames, making four attempts before he succeeded in releasing the first occupant. He then re-entered the burning wreckage and successfully removed the second. All three occupants, However, were already dead. Aircraftman Hollowday displayed amazing courage and initiative on both occasions."