Mark,
The forum helped me with Honours and bravery awards. Here's my profile of men mentioned in Thomas' scrapbook who received awards.
Part 1
Page 7 (Also Pg 16 - Part II)
2nd Lieutenant Alan Thomas Selbourne Holt MC
A Company’s former subaltern was gazetted on 18/6/17 for action at Heninel. His citation reads “For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. When in the second line of the enemy position with only a few men, he succeeded in holding the position. When he was wounded, he encouraged his men to carry on the work and gave directions for the defence before withdrawing.”
Alan Holt’s father Edwin was an affluent solicitor. In 1901 the family lived in Platt Lane, Rusholme and employed four servants. Alan was born in May 1896. He attended Rugby School (1911 Census) and graduated Manchester University with a Law degree in 1913. He had been a solicitors articled clerk; before his commission on the same day as Norman Vaudrey on 28th September 1914. In the Spring of 1915, Alan was OC of XV Platoon in D Company. He arrived in France in April 1916, presumably staying back with the 25th Training Reserve Battalion when the 17th left for France in November 1916. During his time with A Company he wrote some vivid and increasingly dry letters to his mother Sarah. These recorded wounds at Guillemont and during a fatal accident during rifle grenade training see Flers in September 1916.
Arthur Bell noted “It had been he (Lt. Holt) who, one night, when, after much marching, I was on sentry duty go – more than half asleep standing up – challenged me and told me the consequences of being asleep on my post. I learn from the official record that he subsequently gained the M.C. (Military Cross). Mr Middlebrook’s book shows that he was alive at the time of writing.”
Following recovery from wounds Allan Holt returned to the Battalion where he was promoted Captain and placed in command of A Company. In the action at Heninel, Alan was recognised for his valour, but also captured and lived our the rest of hostilities as a Prisoner of War.
Alan Holt did go on to live a long life. Records show addresses in Hale and 2 Booth Street, Manchester in 1921. Alan also married Catherine O’Neil at Barton on Irwell in the summer of 1921. Alan Holt delivered the Silent Toast - "Fallen Members" at the 16th Reunion Dinner at the Waldorf Hotel.
He was cremated in Altrincham in May 1980.
