'Stan Hollis' Farm' Crepon

Discussion in 'WW2 Battlefields Today' started by nigelblue27, Sep 5, 2013.

  1. nigelblue27

    nigelblue27 Member

    We went on our annual pilgrimage to The Beaches in Normandy in June. As part of our visit,we always visit the farmhouse where Stan Hollis,after finding a terrified little boy, faced a dug in German artillery piece,in the farm garden,enabling his comrades to escape,which along with his earlier actions near the Mont Fleury battery,won him the V.C.
    On a previous visit,a lady showed us around the garden,allowing us to take photos and walk around. Last year the gates were all locked up so we could not gain access. This year however,a gate was open,which allowed us to knock the door once more,and a gentleman answered,and again very kindly gave us access to the garden. After a brief conversation-my French is not good!!- it turned out that the man was none other than the small terrified little boy that was with Stan, his name was Monsieur Lehaye. unfortunately,he speaks no English,so I could not understand what he was saying,but I was so amazed to meet somebody who was a huge part of that special D Day event
     
  2. Sussex by the Sea

    Sussex by the Sea Senior Member

    Any Pictures Nigel?

    Steve
     
  3. nigelblue27

    nigelblue27 Member

    Hi Steve,
    Yes I have photos,but not sure if I'd need Monsieur Lehayes permission- any suggestions?
     
  4. PZULBA

    PZULBA Member

    Nigel

    Re photo's, if M Lehaye was happy to have his picture taken and the copy right is yours then it should be OK for you post/publish them as you wish

    On another note - I believe there is to be statue of Stan Hollis installed near the Middlesbrough War Memorial see

    http://www.gazettelive.co.uk/news/war-hero-stan-hollis-monument-4071468

    It may be appropriate to contact the 'Gazette' re M. Lehaye, and see if somehow he gets an invite to the unveiling (you could also contact Ray Mallon the current Mayor of Middlesbrough ray_mallon@middlesbrough.gov.uk

    PZULBA - Out of Africa (Retired)
     
  5. nigelblue27

    nigelblue27 Member

    ok,
    Thanks 'PZULBA' .I'll get around to posting some photos then. Thats a good idea about the memorial statue too. I'll look into that as well. Cheers Nigel
     
  6. nigelblue27

    nigelblue27 Member

    Here are some photos I took in the garden at the farmhouse. Unfortunately,the photo I have of Monsieur Lehaye, iis 2.5 m/bytes so the system wont let me upload it--- Any suggestions?
    Cheers,
    Nigel
     

    Attached Files:

  7. Owen

    Owen -- --- -.. MOD

    Use a free online resizing program or use a 'snipping' tool to take a screen shot of the photo.
     
  8. nigelblue27

    nigelblue27 Member

    Hi Owen,
    Thanks for that-- I;m not very good at these things. The photo is myself with Monsieur Lehaye,(Hope I spelt it right). He was a terrified 10 year old,when Stan Hollis found him in the farmhouse.
    I was amazed,when he answered the door,and directed me to the garden.
    Cheers,
    Nigel
     

    Attached Files:

    Sussex by the Sea and 4jonboy like this.
  9. nigelblue27

    nigelblue27 Member

    Apparently, This is the pillar on the wall,where the bullet ricocheted off the wall when Stan entered the garden. There is a hole in the pillar,possibly where the bullet struck.


    Sorry,
    I forgot to attach the photo.
     

    Attached Files:

  10. PZULBA

    PZULBA Member

  11. PZULBA

    PZULBA Member

  12. PZULBA

    PZULBA Member

  13. PZULBA

    PZULBA Member

  14. 4jonboy

    4jonboy Daughter of a 56 Recce

    A 6th Green Howards Veteran I am in contact with, knew Stan Hollis and served in the same Battalion as he did.

    He gave a very large donation to the fund for the memorial over 3 years ago and I am sure he will be delighted to hear that work is finally underway on the first stages of construction of the memorial. He was, however, bitterly disappointed to receive no formal acknowledgement of his donation.

    Lesley
     

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