Hugh Cairns
Sergeant, 46th Battalion. (South Saskatchewan) Saskatchewan Regiment, C E F
- Register No.
- 171 (Alf's numbering, from The Register of the Victoria Cross, 1997)
- Rank
- Sergeant all Sergeants →
- Unit
- 46th Battalion. (South Saskatchewan) Saskatchewan Regiment, C E F (register: 46th Battalion, CEF) all CEF VCs →
- Date of action
- 1 November 1918 on this day → all of 1918 →
- Conflict / campaign
- First World War
- London Gazette
- 31st January 1919 on this day → all of 1919 →
- Born
- the 4th December 1896 at Ashington, Northumberland
- Died
- 2nd November 1918 at Valenciennes, France. (Died on of
- Award
- Posthumous all posthumous VCs →
- Memorial / grave
- grave in Auberchicourt British Cemetery, France
Digest of citation
On 1st November 1918 at Valenciennes, France, when a machine gun opened fire on his platoon, Sergeant Cairns seized a Lewis gun and single-handed and, in the face of direct fire, rushed the post, killed the crew of five and captured the gun. Later, after killing 12 of the enemy and capturing 18 and two guns, he went with a small party and, although wounded, outflanked more field and machine guns, killing many and capturing all the guns. After consolidation he went with a battle patrol to exploit Marly and forced 60 to surrender, but was severely wounded. He later collapsed and Died on next day
From Alf Askin's research notes
Reproduced as Alf wrote it, c. 2000–2005. Spelling and abbreviations are his own.
CAIRNS, Hugh. (reg No. 171).
Sergeant 46th Battalion. (South Saskatchewan) Saskatchewan Regiment, C E F.
London Gazetted on 31st January 1919.
Born on the 4th December 1896 at Ashington, Northumberland.
Died on 2nd November 1918 at Valenciennes, France. (Died on of wounds)
Memorial at grave in Auberchicourt British Cemetery, France.
Digest of Citation reads: On 1st November 1918 at Valenciennes, France, when a machine gun opened fire on his platoon, Sergeant Cairns seized a Lewis gun and single-handed and, in the face of direct fire, rushed the post, killed the crew of five and captured the gun. Later, after killing 12 of the enemy and capturing 18 and two guns, he went with a small party and, although wounded, outflanked more field and machine guns, killing many and capturing all the guns. After consolidation he went with a battle patrol to exploit Marly and forced 60 to surrender, but was severely wounded. He later collapsed and Died on next day.
Additional information: He also held the distinguished Conduct Medal (DCM).
Additional information
He also held the distinguished Conduct Medal (DCM).
wounds)
Visit the grave or memorial
Alf recorded the memorial as: grave in Auberchicourt British Cemetery, France
Map links open a search for the place name Alf recorded; please check opening times and exact locations before travelling. Many VC graves have since been restored by the Victoria Cross Trust.
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