| Holland | G E | | Commander | Gerald Edward Holland was born in Dublin in 1800; went to sea, 1876; entered Royal Indian Marine, 1880; served with the Burma Expeditionary Force, 1887-89, and in the Chin-Lushai Expedition, and for his services was created a Companion of the Distinguished Service Order [London Gazette, 14 Nov. 1890]: "Gerald Edward Holland, First Grade Officer, Royal Indian Marine." He commanded the Warren Hastings when that ship was lost off Reunion Island in 1897; was court-martial led, and the result was it simple reprimand; received an exemplary order from the Governor of India for his fine conduct and saving of life. Later he served on the Naval Transport Staff, Durban, and as Divisional Officer, 1900-1, being thrice mentioned in Despatches and receiving the CIE. For three years he was principal Port Officer at Rangoon; retired from the RIM in 1905; held the post of Marine Superintendent. (L & N W Rly and L & Y Rly], Fleetwood, in 1907, and from 1907 onwards held the post of Marine Superintendent, I & N W Rly, Holyhead. In Dec. 1914, shortly after the outbreak of the European War, became Lieutenant Colonel, RE, and Assistant Director of Inland Water Transport in France. It was largely owing to his efforts that this corps was created. Became Colonel and Deputy Director in 1915; became Director in 1916, and Brigadier-General in 1917, but was head of the Department in France since its creation in 1914. For his services he was three times mentioned in Despatches; received the CB and CMG; was decorated by the King of the Belgians with the Order of Leopold of Belgium, and also by the King of Italy with the Order of St Maurice and St Lazarus. Died whilst on sick leave, at St. Leonards-on-Sea, 20 June, 1917, from illness contracted on active service in France.
CB Mil n/b s/g. CMG n/b s/g. CIE b/b gold & enamel. DSO VRI (14 Nov 90). IGS 1954 (3) Burma 85-87 Burma 87-89 Chin Lushai 89-90 (1st Grade Officer HMIMS). QSA (1) Natal (Commdr RIM). 1914-15 Star (Lt Col CIE DSO RE). BWM (Brig Gen). VM (Brig Gen). Belgium, Order of Leopold, 4th Class. Portugal, Order of St Maurice and St Lazurus, 5th Class. Belgium, Croix do Guerre. Spink Oct 99 £5500
Source: List of CIE recipients. Various sources | Royal Indian Marine |
