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“Well known for being the only recipient of the Victoria Cross for actions on 6th June 1944 (D-Day), Company Sergeant Major Stan Hollis, was a true leader of men and a superb soldier. However, that only just scratches the surface of a man who was recommended for not just the Victoria Cross twice, but also the Military Medal and Distinguished Conduct Medal.”
Mark Green tells the story of a son of Middlesbrough, who fought in many of the key conflicts of WWII with distinction, being wounded five times, only to shun publicity and state “anyone would have done what I did.”
He truly was “The Man They Couldn’t Kill.”
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TESTIMONIALS FOR THE BOOK
“Just finished my second read through. First thing I would say is that it’s a very easy read, I mean this in a very positive way, it flows well and you want to get to the next page and the next and so on. I’m often asked ‘why the interest in the VC’, part of the answer is always the film Zulu and the 11 VCs awarded for actions at Rorke’s Drift in 1879 but I’ve always been fascinated by ‘people’, what makes people do what they doe and ultimately with the VC, what makes someone do something which highly likely when end in their death. I’m sure many VCs were instinctive but it’s my belief that many were down to the character of the man. I’m sure those that were with Stan during the war would almost expected him to be awarded the VC such was his character. So, although I already knew a lot about Stan the book gave a great insight into the man himself, I feel like I know him a bit better now which for me is so important. I enjoy my VC book collection but as the years pass I find I want to read more and more about individuals and their whole lives, I’m no psychologist but I’m fascinated by why VCs do/did the deeds they do/did. Really enjoyed the book and always when you get to the end of a good book you go a bit flat wanting more. I’m sure it will sell really well, timing is perfect and a massive achievement, well done.”
“A very easy read bought to life by Mark Green who must be commended for writing this book.
A man that wanted to do his bit, an unassuming man in life before and after the War.
Throughout the book gives you a insight to what these men awarded the VC achieved
Highly recommend this book to any one with an interest in the VC.”
“The description of events in WW2 are clear and concise and the story of a remarkable unsung hero Stan. Hollis is engaging and revealing. The story is told in easily followed format and the actions of this likeable soldier, ‘chap next door’ type are as amazing as they are entertaining. A well researched book by a very knowledgeable writer. He certainly knows his stuff! Lets hope for many more.”
“Stan Hollis was such a brave man. With no thoughts of his own safety he did what needed to be done. A true hero”
“A splendidly written account of the life and times of this famous VC recipient. Book is comprehensive both in the description of his military career and his family life after. Easy to read with good concise descriptions of the actions that Hollis was involved with.”
“Mark Green should be commended on the narration of Stan Hollis VC remarkable story in a easy to read and compelling way.
It is remarkable that he survived his many solo engagements. Thank you for your fine effort and great research. Great timing as we approach D Day 80.”
“Mark Green tells the story of this well known D Day Victoria Cross recipient in an engaging way. Anyone interested in WW2 history and the VC in particular will enjoy the book and find it useful.”
“A brilliantly written book based on the life of a man who truly deserved the VC. If you have any interest in Stan Hollis VC, VC’s themselves or anything military based this book is definitely for you”
“The biography of Stan Hollis opens with ‘The “Beginning of the end of World War II” came about on 6 June 1944.’ Hollis was the only soldier awarded the Victoria Cross for D-Day but he had also been at Dunkirk and at great victory at El Alamein which Winston Churchill said ‘This is not the end. It is not even the beginning of the end. But it is, perhaps, the end of the beginning.’ There is a very good coverage of Hollis’ birth, his schooling and being unable to accept a scholarship to Sir William Turner’s School at Redcar because he was needed to work in the family business. He had a brief time as a merchant seaman, but illness left him on the beach. Hollis married in 1931 and with war clouds in the air joined the Green Howards in the late 1930s.
Stan Hollis served at Dunkirk, El Alamein, Sicily and in France. He was wounded 48 days after landing and was in hospital in England when the announcement he had been awarded the VC was made. Hollis was one of three to receive the VC on 10 October 1944 from the King at Buckingham Palace. There is a fine photo of Hollis in the middle, Lord De L’Isle (left) and Lorne MacLaine Campbell (right) just before they receive their medals. It is extraordinary the places Hollis served at during the war and even though be received the VC and was MID, there are tales of other medals that could have been awarded. I was delighted to see the fine foreword by Keith Payne VC AM, the last Australian and the last member of a Commonwealth force to be awarded the Victoria Cross. The book is a great story about a great hero and the author is to be commended for his effort. It is an excellent example of how to write about a VC, a biography or history. However, the biggest surprise for me was the last page – Manufactured by Amazon.com.au Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.”