As communities across the country honour the brave men and women who sacrificed their lives for our freedom, 360Wire proudly takes a look at the three of Yorkshire’s most valiant war heroes.

Stanley Elton Hollis VC:

Born in the historic county North Riding of Yorkshire, Stanley holds the remarkable achievement of being the only soldier to be awarded the Victoria Cross (VC) for his actions on D-Day.

Serving with The Green Howards (6th Battalion), Stanley took part in the D-Day landings at Gold Beach on 6th June 1944.

is VC citation describes how, after landing, he rushed two German pill-boxes that had been bypassed, captured many enemy troops, and later risked his own life drawing enemy fire so two of his men could withdraw safely.

After surviving the war Stanley returned to normal life in North Yorkshire, working normal jobs and remaining modest about his heroic actions across World War II.

Stanley’s VC medal can be viewed at the Richmond Regimental Museum.

Arthur Louis Aaron VC, DFM:

Born in 1922 in Leeds, Arthur attended Roundhay School in Oakwood before signing up for the RAF in 1941, aged 19. He was posthunously awarded the Victoria Cross for showing exeptional gallantry whilst flying.

On August 12 1943 Arthur’s bomber was severley damaged during a mission in Turin, Italy. Despite suffering serious injuries to his face, arms and lungs, Arthur successfully led his crew back to their base in North Africa.

Tragically, he died of exhaustion just hours after returning to base, but was awarded the VC posthumously for his heroic actions which saved the lives of his crew.

Arthur remains the only person from Leeds to have been awarded the VC, and the city has commemorated him with a statue and exhibitions in the City Hall.

Donald Simpson Bell VC:

Born in Harrogate on December 3 1890, Donald Simpson Bell was a schoolteacher, professional footballer and later an army officer. He is the only English professional footballer who has been awarded the Victoria Cross.

After enlisting in 1915 Donald joined the 9th Battalion, Green Howards, and was deployed in France soon after.

During the Battle of the Somme, on July 5 1916, Donald showed ‘conspicuous bravery’ in attacking enemy lines, earning him the Victoria Cross. Sadly, he was killed in action a short time later, aged 25.

Donald’s life before the war as a popular footballer and teacher only adds to his heroic reputation in Yorkshire’s history books.