Sergeant Hugh Cairns V.C.
Hugh was born on the 4th December 1896 at Ashington the son of George H. and Elizabeth D. Cairns (later of Saskatoon, Saskatchewan Canada).
Hugh left Canada on the 20th June 1916, aboard the S.S. Empress of Britain, the 65th Battalion arrived in Liverpool, eight days later. On the 30th June, Sgt. Cairns was transferred to the 46th Battalion and on the 9th August was on his way to France.
Alongside the men of 46th Battalion, Hugh Cairns took part in every engagement fought from August 1916 until his death. See his service record and other personal papers.
During the first week of June 1917, he received thirteen shrapnel wounds in the back, but soon recovered. A fortnight later Private Cairns and the men he led took on and captured an enemy gun emplacement at Vimy Ridge at Lens.
Hugh's D.C.M. was awarded for conspicuous gallantry and devotion to unit in leading a party forwards at a critical moment and supplying covering fire to the flank of an attacking Battalion. With great initiative he recovered two guns which had been left behind (and loaded them) repelling three enemy attacks and successfully covering our subsequent withdrawal. Though wounded he held on until all his ammunition was expended, when he made his way back to our line having done invaluable service and set a very fine example.
His service record also shows his awards and promotions. On the 11th August 1917, he was awarded his first stripe, 25th August 1917 he was awarded his D.C.M. He was promoted to Lance Corporal 11th November 1917, then to Corporal 1st July 1918, finally to Sergeant 15th August 1918. He was finally awarded the V.C. 1st November 1918.
An extract from the London Gazette, No 31155, January 28th 1919, records the following:
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.
Sgt Cairns also had two brothers serving. These were Henry Cairns, who served and survived, and Albert Cairns. Albert was killed September 1918 during the battle of Cambrai and his name is also on the Bothal School memorial.
Hugh is remembered on the Canadian WW1 Book of Remembrance page 378.
The earliest Memorial to Hugh Cairns was erected in 1921 by the Saskatoon Football Association in what is known as Kiwanis Park, near the University Bridge. The statue is of Sgt. Cairns as a footballer. Around the base of the statue are the names of the seventy-five Saskatoon soccer players who lost their lives in the Great War.
Hugh Cairns was a pupil at Bothal County Middle School where his name is on the school memorial A17.06
Heslop's Local Advertiser 18/08/1916 reported his death.
One Hundred Years of Bothal School , a booklet in possession of the School, gives some details of the former school, the War Memorial, including a photocopy of the Order of Service of Unveiling and an account of Hugh Cairns, the Ashington V.C.
The Response the occasional newsletter of the Northumberland and Durham Branch of the Western Front Association No.6 New Series carries an article on Hugh Cairns, VC, by Tom Hewitson, inc. a photo.
There is a school named after him in Saskatchewan, Canada, and there are several websites about his Canadian life.
Mr and Mrs Cairns attended a civic ceremony at Valenciennes, France on July 25th, 1936 for the naming of a street in the city L'avenue Hugh Cairns. It was in memory of their sergeant son who won the Victoria Cross but gave his life in the capture of the city from the Germans.
News Post Leader 19/02/2004 reports proposal to erect a memorial to Ashington’s winner of the V.C.
Journal 05/11/2018 carries his story and also that of someone who first heard Northumbrian speech in Canada.
Hugh Cairns is remembered in Ashington on A17.01 (A17.27), A17.06 and A17.43
