On D-Day during an assault on the Mont Fleury battery, CSM Hollis's Company Commander noticed that two of the pill boxes had been by-passed and tasked his CSM to ensure they were cleared. At short range the pill box machine gun opened fire. CSM Hollis instantly rushed box, firing his Sten gun. He jumped on top of the pill box, recharged the magazine, threw a grenade in through the door, fired his Sten gun into the box – killing two Germans and making the remainder prisoners. He then cleared several Germans from a neighbouring trench. By this action he undoubtedly saved his Company from being fired on heavily from the rear, and enabled them to open the main beach exit. Later, in Crepon, the Company encountered a field gun and machine gun. CSM Hollis was put in command of a party to cover an attack on the gun. Hollis pushed forward to engage with a PIAT. He was observed by a sniper who fired and grazed his right cheek and at the same moment the gun swung round and fired at point blank range at the assault party. CSM Hollis moved his party to an alternative position, by which time two of the enemy gun crew had been killed and the gun destroyed. He later found that two of his men had stayed behind and immediately volunteered to get them out. In full view of the enemy, who were continually firing at him, he went forward alone using a Bren gun to distract their attention from the stranded men. Under cover of his diversion, the two men were able to get back. Wherever fighting was heaviest CSM Hollis appeared, and in the course of a magnificent day's work he displayed the utmost gallantry and on two separate occasions his courage and initiative prevented the enemy from holding up the advance at critical stages.
Source: “The Yorkshire Regiment – History.” The British Army. Available from http://www.army.mod.uk/yorkshire_regiment/regiment/history/vc_and_gc.htm. Internet; accessed 17 July 2007.