Biography:
Herbert Wilfred Holt was born 5 February 1889, the son of Henry Percy Holt of London.
He came to Winchester College from Mr F Hollins' school at Eastbourne in May 1902 and was in B House, Moberly's. He rowed and played golf for his house and was a member of the Debating Society. He left Winchester in the summer of 1907 for Trinity College, Cambridge. Three years later he obtained a commission in the Special Reserve, Royal Engineers, and at the outbreak of war his company was among the first to leave England.
On August 23 1914, they were detailed to blow up a bridge over the Mons-Conde Canal, towards which the Germans were pressing in great force. Holt fell severely wounded but got up again and continued fighting against heavy odds. He was eventually overpowered and died of his wounds shortly afterwards in enemy hands.