Gerald Edward Holland, Royal Engineers

Brigadier General, Royal Engineers. Died, aged 56, on 26 June 1917, whilst on sick leave, at St Leonards-on-Sea, Sussex, from illness contracted on active service in France.

Dock and Marine Superintendent, L&NWR Company, Holyhead. Initially served as First Grade Officer, Royal Indian Marine (RIM). He went to sea in 1876 and entered the Royal Indian Marine in 1880. He served with the Burma Expeditionary Force, 1887-89, and in the Chin-Lushai Expedition. For his services was created a Companion of the Distinguished Service Order (London Gazette, 14 November 1890): “Gerald Edward Holland, First Grade Officer, Royal Indian Marine”. His DSO was awarded “In recognition of services during Chin-Lushai Expedition”. He commanded the RIMS Warren Hastings when that ship was lost off Reunion Island in 1897. He was court-martialled, and the result was a simple reprimand. He received an exemplary order from the Governor of India for his fine conduct and saving of life. Later he served on the Naval Transport Staff, Durban, and as Divisional Officer, 1900-1, being thrice Mentioned in Despatches and receiving the CIE. For three years he was principal Port Officer at Rangoon and retired from the RIM in 1905. Here he was responsible for a number of patented designs to aid the loading and unloading of ships.

He then held the post of Marine Superintendent (L&NW Railway and L&Y Railway), Fleetwood. From 1907 onwards he held the post of Marine Superintendent, L&NW Railway, Holyhead. He was instrumental in forming the No. 2 (Holyhead) Siege Company, Royal Anglesey Royal Engineers. In August 1914, as Marine Superintendent, he oversaw the conversion of the four LNWR ships - Hibernia (HMS Tara), Cambria, Anglia and Scotia for Admiralty service. In December 1914 he was appointed Lieutenant Colonel, RE, and Assistant Director of Inland Water Transport in France. It was largely owing to his efforts that this corps was created. Became Colonel and Deputy Director in 1915. He became Director in 1916, and Brigadier General in 1917, but was head of the Department in France since its creation in 1914. For his services he was three times Mentioned in Despatches; received the CB and CMG; was decorated by the King of the Belgians with the Order of Leopold of Belgium, and also by the King of Italy with the Order of St Maurice and St Lazarus.

He was born in Dublin 21 October 1860, the son of the Denis Holland of Dublin. He married Mary, elder daughter of Edmund Dwyer Gray MP in 1896. In 1911 he was living with his wife Mary (38) and daughters Evelyn (7) and Lillian (11) at Bryn Y Mor, Holyhead, together with four servants. He is then described as a Commander RSM (retired).

The above photograph of G E Holland was taken in 1909.

Buried at Holyhead (St. Mary's) Catholic Cemetery at the south wall.