Stephen William Holder, the son of Albert William Holder and Leila Beatrice Holder (nee Burrows) was born 24 January 1919 in Inglewood. He was one of seven siblings.
He was educated at Central School and New Plymouth Boy’s High School and then worked as an electrician for the New Plymouth Borough Council. He as a member of the Queen Alexandra Mounted Rifles and was interested in fishing, shooting and swimming.
Stephen joined the Royal New Zealand Airforce during World War Two and served as a Pilot with the No. 149 Squadron an No. 115 Squadron. In November 1944 he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross due to displaying: “the utmost fortitude, courage and devotion to duty,” his citation said. He had taken part in more than 37 operations in a Lancaster bomber over Europe.
Stephen's brother Flight Officer Donald Fraser Holder (1922-1944) also served with the RNZAF and was killed in action over Germany on 27 August 1944.
After the war he worked as an electrician. He married Francis Foden (1925-2011) on 27 February 1950 at St Mary’s Church in New Plymouth and they had three children.
He died on 10 March 1978 in New Plymouth.
Auckland Museum Online Cenotaph
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