Major H. N. Holden
1871 - 1918
1871 - 1918
Major Hyla Holden
Hyla Napier Holden was born in Kingswinford, Staffordshire., on 13 April 1871. Educated at Maltese Cross House, Rossall School in Fleetwood, he joined the British Army in 1892 and served with the Oxford Light Infantry. He became a Lieutenant in 1893, a Captain in 1901 and a Major in 1910, all while with that same unit.
Hyla Napier Holden was born in Kingswinford, Staffordshire., on 13 April 1871. Educated at Maltese Cross House, Rossall School in Fleetwood, he joined the British Army in 1892 and served with the Oxford Light Infantry. He became a Lieutenant in 1893, a Captain in 1901 and a Major in 1910, all while with that same unit.
He joined the Jodhpur Lancers 5th Indian Cavalry in October 1914. While serving in India, he owned several horses in partnership with Mr J. D. Scott, the best-known being Lady Marchmint. He was also the owner of Lord Harry, who put up good performances at the Tollygunge steeplechase and paper chase meetings.
He joined the Jodhpur Lancers 5th Indian Cavalry in October 1914. While serving in India, he owned several horses in partnership with Mr J. D. Scott, the best-known being Lady Marchmint. He was also the owner of Lord Harry, who put up good performances at the Tollygunge steeplechase and paper chase meetings.
He owned and rode Manak, trained by J. D. Scott, to win the Army Cup at Lucknow. Manak not only carried a record-winning weight for the race of 11st 2lb; he also beat a race record field of 25 runners. Major Holden, for whom this was a first win, was the oldest rider to win the Army Cup, aged 42.
He owned and rode Manak, trained by J. D. Scott, to win the Army Cup at Lucknow. Manak not only carried a record-winning weight for the race of 11st 2lb; he also beat a race record field of 25 runners. Major Holden, for whom this was a first win, was the oldest rider to win the Army Cup, aged 42.
Although he enjoyed success in the saddle in India, Major Holden does not appear to have ridden in races in England. He did not take part in any of the Cavalry or military meetings, of which there were many, such as the Grand Military or Royal Artillery fixtures. It is possible that he rode in point-to-points but that is pure conjecture.
Although he enjoyed success in the saddle in India, Major Holden does not appear to have ridden in races in England. He did not take part in any of the Cavalry or military meetings, of which there were many, such as the Grand Military or Royal Artillery fixtures. It is possible that he rode in point-to-points but that is pure conjecture.
In 1918 Major Holden was awarded the DSO and Bar. Sadly, later that year, on 29 October, he was killed in action in Aleppo, Palestine, aged 47. He was buried at Beirut War Cemetery, Lebanon.
In 1918 Major Holden was awarded the DSO and Bar. Sadly, later that year, on 29 October, he was killed in action in Aleppo, Palestine, aged 47. He was buried at Beirut War Cemetery, Lebanon.
1913
1913