Trafford

Born during the March quarter 1912 in the Chorlton R.D. - ref: 8c/1733, the
eldest son of John & Matilda Holland (nee Royle).

In April 1911, his parents were living at 11 Thurza Street, Hulme.   Head
of household - John Holland - Married - aged: 26 - occ:  Warehouseman -
born: Manchester.  Also Matilda Holland - Wife - aged: 25 - born:
Manchester.  Plus DorisHolland - Daughter  aged: 8 months - born: Hulme,
Manchester.   John was perhaps born at this address?

John was married to a Katherine W. ??????.   No trace of the marriage on
any British BMD, so perhaps married her in Canada.  She was recorded by the
CWGC as residing at Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, Canada.

Probably in training in the British Commonwealth Training Scheme, where RAF
pilots and navigators went for trainng.  The Air Navigation Schools were
situated at RCAF Station Charlottetown and these offered 4 week courses in
astronavigation and were the last step for Air Observers (later called
Navigators).  Approximately 1,200 Commonwealth airmen were trained at the
schools there.

He died in a training accident whilst at Charlottetown - one of 20.   There
are just 20 RAF men buried in the Sherwood Cemetery.

John's younger brother - Eric Holland died in a bombing mission over
Germany at the end of January 1945

Both brothers attended Stretford Grammar School and both are commemorated
in the Stretford Borough Council WW2 Memorial Book.