D-day Hero: CSM Stanley Hollis VC

D-Day's only Victoria Cross winner, Stanley Hollis was uniquely recommended for this coveted award twice on June 6, 1944. A tough, working-class rebel, Hollis was no model soldier: he was forever being µbusted¦ to corporal for various misdemeanours, only to win his stripes back again. He fought with the Green Howards at Dunkirk, in the Western Desert, in Italy, on D-Day and through France and Germany to the end of the war. Seriously wounded and taken prisoner by the Afrika Korps, Hollis was personally congratulated by Rommel, then made a daring escape. In Italy, he was recommended for the Distinguished Conduct Medal.