On Chatham Naval Memorial is the name of C/JX 351206 Able Seaman Alexander Cairns, serving on H.M.S. Isis with the Royal Navy who died 20/07/1944.

The son of Alexander and Jenny Cairns, of Seaton Delaval, Northumberland.

In Seaton Valley (Earsdon) Cemetery is a family headstone which reads:

Treasured memories of
a devoted wife and mother
Jane Ann Cairns
who fell asleep March 11th 1950
aged 51 years

Also Alexander Cairns
husband of the above
died Jan. 19th 1984
aged 84 years

Also Alex Cairns R.N.
beloved son of the above
lost at sea on active service
July 20th 1944 aged 21 years

In God’s keeping.

Alexander was born July 27th 1923 and was the son of Alexander and Jane A nee Williamson who had married in 1923. He had a number of siblings – Robert born 1925 Alan born 1928 and James 1931. The family in the 1939  were living at 1 Whitley Terrace Seaton Delaval. Alexander was a butcher’s apprentice.

Alexander Cairns is remembered at Holywell on H67.03, H67.06 and H67.08, at Seaton Delaval on S7.03 and in our List of Ships’ Crews.