During World War I, Hollidt served on the Western Front and was awarded the Iron Cross 2nd and 1st Class.

Beginning in 1935, he served on the General Staff and as a chief-of-staff of an army corps in the Wehrmacht.

At the beginning of World War II, Hollidt served as commander of the 52nd Infantry Division.

From October 1940 he served as the commander of the 50th Infantry Division, participating in the German invasion of Greece.

At the High Command Trial held at Nuremberg, he was convicted of the unlawful use of prisoners of war and of the deportation and enslavement of civilians.