Recommendation date: 31 October 1917

'For conspicuous bravery and devotion to duty. During operations east of YPRES, the forward batteries at ZONNEBEKE and TOKIO were often completely isolated and cut off owing to the heavy hostile barrage on all roads and approaches. Driver E.H. HOLMES, with his brother, voluntarily undertook the work of delivering rations to their Battery, in addition to other duties. In spite of the heavy barrage they have on every occasion succeeded in delivering the rations to their Battery when required, and often when it was impossible to get ammunition and pack animals through. On 18th October, 1917, the vehicle having been damaged by shell fire they had to return twice for rations but finally succeeded in getting through to the Battery and delivered the urgently required rations in spite of the heavy barrage. On several occasions when the rations having been destroyed in transit, Driver E.H. HOLMES, with his brother, have made repeated journeys through the barrage, and it is entirely due to their courage and determination that the 42nd Battery has been kept regularly supplied with food and water.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 95
Date: 27 June 1918