Signalman Frederick J Holland

Frederick John Holland was born on 26 May 1923, but on enlisting lied about his age and said 26 May 1921.

He enlisted on the 5 July 1940 at Chesterfield into The Sherwood Foresters, and transferred to the Royal Corps of Signals on 10 March 1942.

Signalman Holland volunteered for airborne forces and was posted to Airborne Divisional Signals, Hardwick Hall, Chesterfield, Derby on 14 August 1942. He was mustered as an Assistant Despatch Rider, Group ‘E’ on 18 December 1942.

He then attended parachute training course number 53 at RAF Ringway, in March 1943.

On 16 May 1943 Signalman Holland embarked for Overseas service, disembarking in North Africa on 26 May 1943. After the end of the North African Campaign, the main units from the 1st Airborne Division were prepared for parachute operations, only two of which were launched in Sicily in 1943: Operation Ladbroke and Operation Fustian.

Signalman Holland then embarked for return to the UK on 27 November 1943 and landed back at Liverpool Docks on 9 December 1943. He stayed in the UK until December 1945 when he embarked for North West Europe, returning to the UK in 1947.

Signalman Holland was posted to Section B Royal Army Reserve on 28 October 1947.