THE exploits of the only man to win a Victoria Cross on D-Day are to be highlighted in an exhibition.
Stan Hollis, a sergeant major with the Green Howards, showed astonishing bravery on June 6, 1944, when he landed on the beach at Normandy.
A Middlesbrough man, he was with D Company of the 6th Battalion, one of the first units ashore at Gold Beach.
He captured two pillboxes on the Mont Fleury Battery almost single-handedly, taking more than 20 prisoners, then put his life on the line again to rescue two of his men under enemy fire at the village of Crepon.
Sgt Maj Hollis's son Brian was given a preview of the exhibition at the Green Howards Museum, in Richmond, North Yorkshire, which depicts D-Day and the regiment's role in the operation.
Museum curator Major Roger Chapman said: "The Green Howards are proud of their actions in the D-Day landings, and especially of Sgt Major Hollis.
"His VC is in the museum - one of 16 VCs displayed there out of the 18 won by members of the regiment over the years.
"His VC will be on show later this year at a special D-Day exhibition at the Imperial War Museum."
The Richmond exhibition includes photographs of the landings and personal belongings, diaries and officials documents.
It will be opened by D-Day veterans on February 9.
Published: 22/01/2004
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article