Fred Parkinson Holliday

Fred Parkinson Holliday DSO, MC, AFC (20 February 1888 – 5 March 1980), was an Australian fighter pilot and ace of the First World War. He shot down 17 German aircraft between his entry into the war and its end, making him the 11th highest-scoring Australian-born pilot of the war. He served with the RFC and RAF throughout, in the No. 48 Squadron. He was awarded the Military Cross on 26 July 1917 for a particularly successful encounter with five German aircraft, and was later given the Distinguished Service Order.

Born in Fitzroy, Victoria, as a youth Holliday was sent to Britain to complete his schooling, attending grammar school in Brighton. He served in the Sussex Yeomanry for three years, but after completing further studies in electrical and mechanical engineering moved to Canada. In September 1914, he enlisted in the Canadian Expeditionary Force as a sapper in the Canadian Engineers. He was appointed a temporary Second Lieutenant in December 1915, and he subsequently transferred to the Royal Flying Corps, serving first as an observer and then as a pilot.

Holliday survived the war, and after working briefly in Sweden, he returned to Canada. He saw further service in the Royal Canadian Air Force during the Second World War, reaching the rank of group captain. He died at the age of 72.

Awards and honours
26 July 1917 – Temp. Lt. Fred Parkinson Holliday, Gen. List and RFC is awarded the Military Cross For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. In company with another pilot he attacked five hostile aircraft, setting one on fire, driving down another out of control, and dispersing the remainder. He has previously done fine work, bringing down eight hostile machines in all.
25 August 1917 – T./Lt. Fred Parkinson Holliday, Gen. List and RFC is awarded the Distinguished Service Order – For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. By his initiative and skilful manoeuvring he led six hostile machines to an encounter with our own formation, during which five out of the six hostile machines were destroyed and driven down. He had been equally successful the day before in misleading hostile aircraft, and his originality and fearless example were of the greatest value to his squadron. 
30 May 1919 – Capt. (A./Maj.) Fred Parkinson Holliday, DSO, MC (Can. Eng) is awarded the Air Force Cross.

Notes

 References 
 Gutman, J. Bristol F2 Fighter Aces of World War 1''. London: Osprey Publishing, 2007. .

Category:1888 births
Category:1980 deaths
Category:Australian aviators
Category:Australian World War I flying aces
Category:Canadian World War I flying aces
Category:Companions of the Distinguished Service Order
Category:Military personnel from Melbourne
Category:Recipients of the Air Force Cross (United Kingdom)
Category:Recipients of the Military Cross
Category:Royal Air Force officers
Category:Royal Flying Corps officers
Category:Australian emigrants to Canada
Category:Canadian Expeditionary Force officers