Pte Holmes was killed in action by a German medium artillery barrage as the battalion had formed-up on the road from Assoro, 1 1/2 miles short of the crossroads of the road to Adrano their next goal. 2 Highlanders were killed and 4 wounded in the barrage. Higher casualties had been avoided as the battalion was maintaining 5 yard interval spacing given they did not have slit trenches.

Foster-son of Marion Pearce, of Toronto, Ontario.