Hugh Cairns (VC)
| Hugh Cairns | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| Born |
4 December 1896 Ashington, England |
| Died | 2 November 1918 (aged 21) Valenciennes, France |
| Buried at | Auberchicourt British Cemetery |
| Allegiance |
 Canada
|
| Service/branch | Canadian Expeditionary Force |
| Years of service | 1915 - 1918 |
| Rank | Sergeant |
| Unit | 46th Battalion, CEF |
| Battles/wars | First World War † |
| Awards | |
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Hugh Cairns VC DCM, (4 December 1896 – 2 November 1918) was a Canadian recipient of the Victoria Cross, the highest and most prestigious award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces.
He was born in Ashington, Northumberland, England. The Cairns family immigrated to Canada and settled in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan in 1911. He was a keen footballer, playing for the Christ Church Intermediate Boys Football club, reaching the championship of the Sunday School League. He also played for the St. Thomas Church team when they won the Saskatoon League Championship in 1915.
Hugh and his older brother Albert enlisted in the army in August 1915. Cairns was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal (DCM) for his actions at the Battle of Vimy Ridge in April 1917. At the time DCM was the second highest award for gallantry in the British honours system.
He was 21 years old, and a sergeant in the 46th (South Saskatchewan) Battalion, Canadian Expeditionary Force during the First World War when the following deed took place for which he was awarded the VC.
For most conspicuous bravery before Valenciennes on 1st November, 1918, when a machine gun opened on his platoon. Without a moment's hesitation Serjt. Cairns seized a Lewis gun and single-handed, in the face of direct fire, rushed the post, killed the crew of five, and captured the gun. Later, when the line was held up by machine-gun fire, he again rushed forward, killing 12 enemy and capturing 18 and two guns.
Subsequently, when the advance was held up by machine guns and field guns, although wounded, he led a small party to outflank them, killing many, forcing about 50 to surrender, and capturing all the guns. After consolidation he went with a battle patrol to exploit Marly and forced 60 enemy to surrender. Whilst disarming this party he was severely wounded. Nevertheless, he opened fire and inflicted heavy losses. Finally he was rushed by about 20 enemy and collapsed from weakness and loss of blood. Throughout the operation he showed the highest degree of valour, and his leadership greatly contributed to the success of the attack. He died on the 2nd November from wounds.
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