How Stan Hollis Was Awarded The Only VC on D-Day

Video Description

The story of Yorkshireman, Stanley Hollis, the only man to be awarded a Victoria Cross on D-Day 1944. Chris Green is The History Chap; telling stories that brings the past to life. WAYS YOU CAN SUPPORT MY CHANNEL 1)Become A Patron https://www.thehistorychap.com/Supporters-club or 2)Join My YouTube membership https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyTGpFsD0AJkQ6KSCW8d_Ug/join or 3) Make a one-off donation https://buymeacoffee.com/thehistorychap or 4) Join my Free weekly newsletter https://www.thehistorychap.com/Newsletter On D-Day, over 60,000 British troops stormed the beaches of Normandy. Only one of them was awarded the Victoria Cross. This is the remarkable true story of Company Sergeant Major Stanley Elton Hollis, a tough, red-haired Yorkshireman from Middlesbrough, who served with distinction in the legendary Green Howards regiment. Standing at 6 foot 2 with fists like sledgehammers and a rebellious streak a mile wide, Hollis wasn’t your typical hero. But on 6th June 1944 — the day that would change the course of the Second World War — he did something extraordinary. Amidst the chaos of the Gold Beach landings, Hollis launched two solo attacks against heavily defended German positions. In the space of just 30 minutes, he captured 30 enemy soldiers and helped secure vital ground for the Allied advance. Hours later, in the village of Crépon, he risked his life once again to save two pinned-down comrades under a hail of enemy fire. For these actions, Hollis was awarded the Victoria Cross — the only one given to a British soldier on D-Day. In this documentary, we follow his incredible journey from Middlesbrough fish & chip shop assistant and merchant navy recruit, to dispatch rider at Dunkirk, desert warrior in North Africa, and finally, D-Day hero. We’ll also explore what made him tick — a devoted family man, a fiery personality, a soldier both feared and deeply respected. This is not just the story of one man’s gallantry, but a reflection of the courage, grit, and quiet resolve of thousands of British soldiers on D-Day — most of whom never received recognition. Stan Hollis's story didn’t end on the battlefield. After the war, he returned to Yorkshire, ran a local pub (which he renamed The Green Howard), and remained fiercely proud of his regiment. His Victoria Cross now resides in the Green Howards Regimental Museum in Richmond, North Yorkshire — a lasting tribute to a man whose bravery helped turn the tide of the war. Visit the Green Howards Museum https://greenhowards.org.uk/ Chapters: 0:00 Introduction 0:49 Stan Hollis Early Life 1:52 Joins The Green Howards 2:53 Dunkirk 4:04 Battle of El Alamein 4:47 Sicily Landings 1943 5:21 Chosen By Monty 6:22 D-Day 7:56 Gold Beach 8:27 Storms Pillbox 9:39 VC Action 11:31 VC Citation 12:36 Home Coming 13:27 Later Life 14:27 Medals 15:07 Legacy Follow me at: www.thehistorychap.com Instagram:https://bit.ly/3iySrAj Facebook:https://bit.ly/37IUfkH https://www.youtube.com/c/TheHistoryChap My name is Chris Green and I love to share stories from British history. Not just because they are interesting but because, good or bad, they have shaped the world we live in today. History should not be stuffy or a long list of dates or kings & queens. So rather than lectures or Youtube animations, I tell stories that bring the past to life. My aim is to be chat as if I were having a coffee or meal with you. Jean in Maryland, USA recently wrote: "Chris, is the history teacher I wish I had at school!" Just for the record, I do have a history degree in Medieval & Modern history from the University of Birmingham. Disclaimer: All opinions and comments expressed in the 'Comments' section do not reflect the opinions of Chris Green Communication Ltd t/a The History Chap. All opinions and comments should contribute to the dialogue. Chris Green Communication Ltd does not condone written attacks, insults, racism, sexism, extremism, or otherwise questionable comments or material in the 'Comments' section, and reserves the right to delete any comment violating this rule or to block any poster from the channel. The History Chap is a trading name of Chris Green Communication Ltd, a company registered in England & Wales (Co No: 05025587)