NAM.2010-09-5-233

One of two photographs showing Edwin Holdaway, left, Jackson and Ted Kirby with Indian people during a trek in the Himalayas, India, 1939. From a collection belonging to Edwin Holdaway, 14/20th Hussars. From a collection of one archive and 323 photographs relating to the service of Sgt Edwin Holdaway, and also that of his older brother Walter, 1925-1950s. Associated with India, North West Frontier (1920-1937) and India, North West Frontier (1937-1945). Both brothers were born in India, Edwin in 1918 and Walter in 1909, and attended the Lawrence Memorial Royal Military School in Lovedale. They joined the army as boy soldiers at the age of 16, Edwin in 1934 and Walter in 1925, and became Bandsmen. Walter saw service with the 5th Inniskilling Dragoon Guards, the 15/19th King’s Royal Hussars and the 14th/20th King’s Royal Hussars. It was in the 14th/20th King’s Royal Hussars that younger brother Edwin joined him. Edwin played the tuba and Walter the trumpet. Both brothers saw extensive service in India in the 1930s and 1940s, travelling to places such as Lucknow, Khanspur, Delhi, Meerut and the Murree Hills. During World War Two the band formed a Mortar Troop and saw action in Iraq. Edwin stayed in the Army until the 1950s and spent much of the latter period in Germany.