b. 02/02/1875 Alverstoke, Hampshire. d. 08/1947 Pontefract, Yorkshire.
DATE OF EM ACTION: 06/05/1918 Ackton Hall Colliery, Featherstone, Yorkshire.
Frederick was the third of eight children born to Charles and Mary Holdway, born on 2nd February 1875 in Alverstoke, Hampshire. He was baptised on 16th May 1875. Before the age of 5, Frederick had moved north to Yorkshire, and by 1881 his family had settled in Tanshelf. His father was a career soldier, though he was invalided out and started a career as a coal miner. Frederick later followed him down the pits, On 29th September 1903, he married Phoebe Radley at St Bodolph, Knottingly. By the time of the 1911 Census, they were living at Jesmond House, in Featherstone and had two children. Little is known about his life following the award of the Edward Medal, though in the 1939 England and Wales Register, he is now a retired Colliery Deputy, living at 6 Bungalow, Osgoldcross, Yorkshire. He was living with Phoebe and a son Harold, born in 1917. Frederick died in 1947, aged 72.
EM CITATION:
On the 6th May, 1918, three miners were working at the face in the Ackton Hall Colliery when a heavy fall of roof occurred, imprisoning one of the men. Holdway, who was soon on the spot, immediately began the work of rescue, and, with six others, including Harper and Laver, succeeded, after working hard for nearly 24 hours, in rescuing the imprisoned workman. The rescue was carried out with exceptional skill and determination under very dangerous conditions. Holdway specially distinguished himself and showed a fine example of courage and coolness. Harper and Laver were also specially mentioned for their resource and presence of mind.
BURIAL LOCATION: FEATHERSTONE CEMETERY, FEATHERSTONE, PONTEFRACT, WEST YORKSHIRE.
51/3
LOCATION OF MEDAL: UNKNOWN.
