James Hollowell

Fighting at close quarters he held the post against attacks.

James Hollowell was baptised at Lambeth, London, in January 1826. His father was a carpenter. He attested for the 55th Regiment in October 1841 and transferred to the 78th Highlanders the following year. After the regiment sailed to India in 1846, he served at several stations in western India.

In 1857 Hollowell took part in the Persian campaign, including the operations at Kushab and Muhammerah. The regiment then returned to India during the uprising. He served in Havelock's force through the advance towards Cawnpore and Lucknow.

On 26 September 1857, at Lucknow, he was one of the men whose conduct in close fighting brought the Victoria Cross. With a small party isolated in a burning house, he encouraged nine dispirited men to resist attackers firing through four windows. His accurate rifle fire repeatedly checked men approaching the house, helping the defenders hold out despite dwindling ammunition. The award was presented in India by Sir James Outram in 1858. His campaign medals also recognised Persia and the defence and subsequent capture of Lucknow.

Hollowell returned to Scotland with the regiment in September 1859. His later service included promotions to corporal and reductions to private. He was discharged at Aldershot in December 1861. The following April he married Sarah Whicker or Whicher at Spitalfields; they had three sons.

After leaving the army he lived in London. He died at Holborn on 4 April 1876 and was buried three days later in the Corps of Commissionaires plot at Brookwood Cemetery. A replacement headstone was erected in 2000 through the Seaforth Highlanders Association.

Official award citation

A party, on the 26th of September, 1857, was shut up and besieged in a house in the city of Lucknow, by the rebel sepoys. Private James Hollowell, one of the party, behaved, throughout the day, in the most admirable manner; he directed, encouraged, and led the others, exposing himself fearlessly, and by his talent in persuading and cheering, prevailed on nine dispirited men to make a successful defence, in a burning house, with the enemy, firing through four windows. (Extract from Divisional Orders of Major-General Sir James Outram, G.C.B., dated 14th October, 1857.)