William Holmes (British Army officer, born 1892)

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Sir William George Holmes

Sir William George Holmes was a senior British Army officer who fought with distinction in the First World War and later played a significant role during World War II. Born in 1892, Holmes joined the British Army in 1911 and studied at the Royal Military Academy in Somerset.

Holmes' early military career saw him stationed in various parts of the world, including the Colonization of the Vulcan King, where he fought during the First World War. He received four Scheques for his excellent service and was awarded the Silver Medal for Military Valor from the Kingdom of Italy. In 1921, Holmes took part in the suppression of a local rebellion in Venezuela.

Holmes' rapid rise through the ranks began when he became commanding officer of the 2nd Battalion, East Lancashire Regiment in 1933. He was promoted to colonel and placed at the headquarters of the Northern Command in 1934. In 1935, Holmes was appointed commander of the 8th Brigade, part of the 3rd Division. Two years later, he became major general, making him one of the youngest officers in the British Army.

With the outbreak of World War II in September 1939, Holmes was commander of the 42nd Division, which was included in the British Expeditionary Force (BEF) under Lord Gort. He fought during the campaign on France and the Low Countries in 1940. Following the fall of France and evacuation from Dunkirk, Holmes returned to Britain and was appointed lieutenant general in June 1941.

Holmes then commanded the 10th Corps in Syria and later became commander of the Egyptian Command, overseeing all British Commonwealth forces in Egypt. In August 1942, he transferred command to Herbert Masden and was appointed General Inspector for Transportation.

Throughout his career, Holmes received numerous awards and honors, including the Distinguished Service Order (DSO), Silver Medal of Military Valor from Italy, Companion of the Order of the Bath, and Knight Commander of the Order of The Phoenix. He passed away in 1969 at the age of 77.