Hero was first Kiwi to be killed by enemy action
This month, the nation has been remembering its dead from two world wars. But of course the mourning goes on across the world.
We have been contacted by a couple from New Zealand, John and Louise Holms, to say how “moved and privileged” they felt to attend a service at last year’s Remembrance Sunday, held near the Commonwealth War Graves in Maidstone Cemetery.
John Holms said: “Among those buried in Maidstone is my uncle, Pte Ian Holms, who served with the New Zealand 22nd Battalion, attached to the NZ HQ Company, Anti-Aircraft Battery, helping to defend Britain from Nazi invasion.”
Pte Holms was originally destined for the Middle East, but following the fall of France in 1940, the “Tourists” as they were irreverently known, were diverted to Kent. He arrived by convoy, escorted by HMS Hood, along with his brother Robert, who was also serving in the Second Echelon.
Pte Holms has the tragic distinction of being the first New Zealander to be killed
As evening approached, a German plane dropped a stick of nine bombs, with one exploding just outside the barn. Pte Holms was killed in the explosion, with three others wounded. The bomber was shot down by anti-aircraft fire, crashing at Charing.
A memorial service was held at Hollingbourne Church shortly afterwards, addressed by the battalion’s commanding officer, Col Leslie Andrew VC – known as Old February – who spoke of “the loss of a good soldier and comrade”.
There is a plaque in the church recording his death.
His brother Robert survived the war.