The Airmen's Stories - Sgt. E J Hollis

Ernest James Hollis was born on 22nd December 1917 in Cardiff and joined the RAFVR in October 1939 as an Airman u/t Air Gunner. He joined 25 Squadron at North Weald on 30th September 1940, made his first operational flight on 2nd October and was still serving with the squadron on 10th December 1940.

During the night of 3rd May 1941 Hollis was flying as radar operator with Sgt. AM Hill as pilot when they destroyed a He111 south-east of Derby. On 8th May they destroyed a Ju88 near Holt, Norfolk, flying in Beaufighter R2247.

Promoted to Warrant Officer on 1st July 1942, Hollis was awarded the DFC (gazetted 12th December 1944) while serving with 141 Squadron.

He was released from the RAF in 1945 as a Warrant Officer and he died on 27th January 1975.