Diss Family History Group

Philip James HOLDEN, son of George Philip HOLDEN (1886-1958) and Annie Florence REEVE (1882-c. 1943), was born on 4 April 1912 in North Lopham, Norfolk. On 25 January 1940, when living in Acton, London, Philip enlisted in the Royal Army Service Corps, Private 159404. He became a Lance-Corporal on 7 July 1941 and was posted to Oi/c Transport D and C Division. Philip became a Clerk Class III b Group ‘C’ on 24 April 1942 with the rank of Corporal. From 12 April to 24 September 1943 he served in West Africa. He was promoted to Sergeant on 15 May 1943 and he transferred to the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers, and served in Nigeria, at the Area and Base Installations. Philip served in India from 25 September 1943 to 12 November 1945. Overseas and release leave lasted from 13 November 1945 to 7 February 1946. He was released to Class “Z” (T) Royal Army Reserve on 8 February 1946. At the age of 45 he had ‘no further liability for recall’, dated 4 April 1957. (One of his medals was The Burma Star - given to men who fought in the Burma theatre, with possibly service in China, Hong Kong, Malaya, or Sumatra. Another place he went? He may have been part of the support for the Indian Army Ordnance Corps which saw action in Burma.) [Philip’s service record was quite extensive. Much was in army jargon and codes, so some was complex!] Philip died circa 1969 aged 56.

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