Battle of Cape Spartivento
In the Second World War, Holland commanded the 7th Cruiser Squadron at the Battle of Cape Spartivento in November 1940. In May 1941 he commanded the Battlecruiser Squadron when it engaged the in the Battle of Denmark Strait. The magazine of Holland's flagship exploded, breaking her in two and sinking her. Holland was killed, along with all but three of "Hood"s company.