Unternehmen Cerberus
As a flight lieutenant, Holford was assigned to 103 Squadron at RAF Elsham Wolds, flying 29 operations, including flying a Wellington on a daylight attack against the fleeing German battleships and on 12 February 1942, during what became known as the Channel Dash. For his actions that day, Holford was awarded the Distinguished Service Order (DSO) and promoted to squadron leader aged just 21.