Patrick Cairns, known as Pat, was the eldest of 9 children, 6 sons and 3 daughters. His father John Cairns born at Durham in 1857 married at Esh, in the district of Lanchester, February 11th 1878 to Alice Teresa McCormick of Framwellgate, Durham, born 1860. In 1881 they were living at Front Street, Framwellgate Moor, County Durham, with 1-month old Patrick, where John was employed as a coal miner and where daughter Mary was born in 1883. They transferred several times over the next 12 years. Alice gave birth to John Aloysius Cairns, at Sacriston, January 1st 1886, Margaret, January 12th 1888 at Quebec, Michael and Thomas at Durham in 1889 and 1892 respectively, where John Cairns Snr was innkeeper at the Wheatsheaf Inn. He had returned to colliery work at Quebec the following year where the remainder of the children were born, Alice Ellen 1893, Martin Stencilas in 1896 and Joseph March 13th 1899.

1899 was a tremendously tragic year for the Cairns family, within a matter of days of Martin’s birth his father John Cairns, aged 42 years, died March 17th, son Michael aged 9 years during the 3rd quarter (Jul/Aug/Sep) 1889 and in 1901 Thomas died aged 9 years. Patrick (20) was now considered head of the household, employed as a coal miner and with the help of his younger brother John Jnr working as a bricklayer’s labourer, he supported his widowed mother, siblings Thomas (9), Alice ((7), Martin (4) and Joseph (2). Alice Teresa Cairns nee McCormick had died by 1911, possibly October 5th 1908. As by 1911 John Cairns Jnr had left the family home, Patrick a hewer and Martin (14) a pony driver were the only bread-winners, Mary oversaw the daily chores with the help of Alice Ellen (17), Joseph (12) was a scholar, they were living in 4 rooms at 4, Clifford Street, Quebec, County Durham.

Despite his responsibilities towards his siblings, after the declaration of war, Patrick left his employment as a coal miner and enlisted in 1914, posted to the Newcastle-upon-Tyne Depot, Northumberland, he was assigned as Private 9542 Durham Light Infantry.

Private Patrick Cairns Durham Light Infantry died March 26th 1915 at the 1st Northern General Hospital, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, Northumberland, cause of death chronic nephritis (kidney infection) and cardiac dilatation (enlarged heart). He was 34 years of age and single and did not qualify for any awards.

After his death Miss Kate Blenkiron, a love interest, living at 4½ Church View, Quebec, came forward, as guardian, to claim a pension for herself and their un-named illegitimate child. She was awarded 5/- (five shillings) from April 4th 1917 including 6/8 (six shillings eight pence) from May 1st 1918 to June 3rd 1929. Kate’s brother Gunner Mark Blenkiron also died during WW1, September 25th 1917.

In God’s safe keeping. Rest In Peace.

Patrick Cairns is remembered at Esh Laude on E73.01

There is no CWGC entry for Patrick Cairns