Lt Holbech was seriously wounded in action at Kruiseke Ridge, near Ypres. The Scots Guards had come under heavy attack from the Germans for over a week and were exhausted. On the evening of 25th October at 8.30 pm the Germans rushed their trenches and two companies were overwhelmed. The two remaining companies counter-attacked and retook the position but at a heavy cost. Nine officers, including Lt Holbech, were killed or wounded during the action.

Lt Holbech was evacuated to hospital in Woolwich.