On the night of 23 July 1944, Sergeant Holland went forward in command of a mine lifting party beyond the advanced positions of the Fusiliers Mont Royal. The area in which the party was operating was in an exposed position under continuous mortar and machine gun fire.
Sergeant Holland, recognizing that our mines must be lifted for the passage of tanks and infantry, supervised and assisted his men in their task. Without regard for his personal safety, he continually patrolled the area, visiting the various detachments and encouraging his men in a difficult and dangerous task. During the course of the operation, he found that some mines had been moved by the enemy. Although continually under fire, he searched the area, located the mines and successfully completed the clearance of the minefield. His courage, determination and leadership were an inspiration to his men, and his efforts were largely responsible for the successful completion of the mine lifting programme and permitted the free passage of the assault forces the following day.