World War II Victoria Cross Recipient. Born in London, England, he as a Lieutenant in the Somerset Light Infantry, 1st Battalion, South Staffordshire Regiment, British Army. On March 13, 1944, during actions at Henu Block, Burma, Lieutenant Cairns' position was attacked the Japanese. A Japanese officer with his sword hacked off Lieutenant Cairns left arm and he manage to kill the Japanese officer. He then retrieved the fallen sword wounding several other Japanese, continued to lead his men in the attack until he fell to the ground and died of his wounds six days later. For most prestigious gallantry in the face of the enemy, he was posthumously awared the Victoria Cross five year later on May 19, 1949.
World War II Victoria Cross Recipient. Born in London, England, he as a Lieutenant in the Somerset Light Infantry, 1st Battalion, South Staffordshire Regiment, British Army. On March 13, 1944, during actions at Henu Block, Burma, Lieutenant Cairns' position was attacked the Japanese. A Japanese officer with his sword hacked off Lieutenant Cairns left arm and he manage to kill the Japanese officer. He then retrieved the fallen sword wounding several other Japanese, continued to lead his men in the attack until he fell to the ground and died of his wounds six days later. For most prestigious gallantry in the face of the enemy, he was posthumously awared the Victoria Cross five year later on May 19, 1949.
Bio by: John "J-Cat" Griffith
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