James William Holland

Born in 1890, he enlisted in the 8th Battalion DLI in September 1914. He served on the Western Front from 1915, was wounded and transferred to the Labour Corps. Discharged in 1919, he re-enlisted in the Royal Army Veterinary Corps, transferring to the 11th Battalion DLI in 1939 when it was formed.

On 11 February 1940, he rescued three children from a burning house in Chester-le-Street and was awarded the Medal for Protection of Life from Fire. Finally discharged from the Army in March 1940, James Holland died in February 1974 aged 83.