The Miniature George Cross Group of 12 awarded to Corporal Vivian ‘Bob’ Hollowday, Royal Air Force, awarded the George Cross for two separate occasions in 1940 during which he rushed towards and into the burning wreckage of crashed aircraft, attempting to save the lives of their pilot and crew at huge personal risk with burning fire and exploding ammunition all around, comprising: George Cross; 1939-1945 Star; Africa Star; Italy Star; France and Germany Star; Defence and War Medals, 1939-1945, the latter with bronze M.i.D. oak leaf; Coronation 1953; Legion of Frontiersmen Cross of Merit;Australian Legion of Frontiersmen Medal of Merit; France, European Confederation Veterans Cross; Belgium, F.N.V.R.A. Veterans Cross, two palms upon ribbon; group court-mounted as worn with reverse pin for wear and Spink label, ribbons very slightly faded and trace of old adhesive to reverse felt from mounting within frame (included), medals about extremely fine, and rare (2) George Cross: London Gazette: 21 January 1941 One night in July, 1940, when returning to camp, this airman observed an aircraft crash and burst into flames. He immediately proceeded to the wreckage and made his way through the burning debris which was scattered over a wide area by the force of the impact. He found the pilot whose clothing was on fire and put out the flames with his bare hands. Had the pilot not been killed instantly in the crash this action would in all probability have saved his life. During August, 1940, this airman was again returning to the camp when an aircraft suddenly spun to the ground and exploded. He immediately went to the crash and a second explosion occurred. Ammunition was exploding all the time but despite this, he borrowed a gas mask, wrapped two sacks over himself and spent some time in the flames, making four attempts before he succeeded in releasing the first occupant. He then re-entered the burning wreckage and successfully removed the second. All three occupants, however, were already dead. Aircraftman Hollowday displayed amazing courage and initiative on both occasions. Corporal Vivian Bob Hollowday, G.C. was born in Barton upon Humber 16 October 1916. His George Cross was won for third earliest recorded act of bravery and one of the first awards to the R.A.F. He was an active member of the VC and GC Association Committee, 1958-77, and was largely responsible for organising the successful 25th Anniversary celebration of the George Cross in 1965. He was also an active member of the Royal Society of St George and the Legion of Frontiersmen. His original George Cross was stolen, and an official duplicate was issued. Shortly after his death in Bedford on 15 April 1977 the original was recovered, and the duplicate returned to the Central Chancery of the Orders of Knighthood. On 9 March 1986 his original group of medals were sold at Sothebys. The lot is offered with original Central Chancery of the Orders of Knighthood letter to Corporal Holloway for the investiture 12 May 1942, dated 30 April; Investiture photograph of Corporal Holloway, standing with fellow serviceman, holding the cross; Advision Studios gramophone record of the VC and GC Annual Reunion 1964 toasts. This forms part of a family group see also lot XXXX.

Estimate: GBP 400-600