On Wednesday 21 February 2007 Royal Marine Jonathan "Dutchy" Holland, from 45 Commando died as a result of injuries sustained from a mine strike, while on a routine patrol in the Sangin Valley, Helmand Province, Afghanistan.
Jonathan Holland was born on 15 December 1983. He joined the Royal Marines in 2002. After passing out of Commando Training, Royal Marine Holland joined 45 Commando Royal Marines and at the time of his death he was the longest serving member of Whiskey Company, a fact of which he was extremely proud.
In 2003 he deployed on Operation FRESCO, fighting fires during the firemen’s strike, before deploying on peace-keeping duties to Northern Ireland on Operation BANNER later that year. Following an injury, he became the Company Clerk for a period, during which he took part in exercises in the USA. He worked tremendously hard to regain full fitness and set his heart on deploying with his friends and colleagues to Afghanistan on Operation HERRICK in October 2006.
Marine Holland was an exceptional soldier, dedicated to his comrades and entirely at ease in the harsh environments in which he worked and trained. He was superb company; a gregarious, outgoing character, and extremely popular among those with whom he served. Above all, his ability to see the funny side of almost anything was legendary within his Company. Tough but compassionate, in Afghanistan he would often be found up late at night listening to the cares and concerns of the men with whom he lived so closely.
Brought up in Chorley, he was extremely close to his loving family. He adored his fiancee, Hayley, and was giving serious thought to leaving the Marines to spend more time with her and perhaps buying a house together.
Prior to joining the Royal Marines Jonathan had been very keen on martial arts, and still retained his love of the sport within the Corps. He enjoyed reading books on mixed martial arts in his spare time, and would often practice new moves or holds on his mates and brother.
Most of all, Marine Holland was a kind, unselfish man who was always there for those that needed him. He was immensely popular and well respected by all who were fortunate enough to be part of his life.
Jonathan Holland
For time:
4 Rounds of:
7 Overhead Squats (50/35kg)
15 GHD Sit Ups
Rest 1min
83 Wall Balls (20/14lbs)
Rest 1min
2 Rounds of:
21 Pull Ups
7 Overhead Squats (70/50kg)
Please write completed times to the whiteboard…