Enlisted in RAN Bridging Train and attested that he was a retired Chief Petty Officer of the RN. His RN service record notes that a few months prior to his dismissal, he was demoted from CPO to AB for an act of indecency with a minor. After the evacuation from the Gallipoli peninsula, Holman was attached to various AIF artillery units and in early 1918 was demoted from SGT to CPL for drunkenness. However, with the disbandment of the RANBT, Holman elected to RTA and it was discovered that he had never attested into the AIF. Therefore the Navy acknowledged and affirmed his discharge rank as CPO! During his RN service, he was in HMS Temeraire when she was part of the fleet review for King George V's coronation. With the rest of the crew, he was awarded the coronation medal. In later life, he embellished his service, claiming to be a commissioned officer in the AIF.
Sources
UK Archives ADM 188/332/193235
Service Record - Australian National Archives