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Hugh Cairns Vc & Dcm the Ashington Airfield

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Hugh Cairns Vc & Dcm the Ashington Airfield HUGH CAIRNS VC & DCM THE ASHINGTON AIRFIELD HUGH CAIRNS VC & DCM Unveiling of the Commemorative Stone on the 100TH Anniversary of the awarding of the Victoria Cross THE ASHINGTON AIRFIELD Unveiling of the Commemorative Stone marking Ashington’s contribution to the World War I war effort ASHINGTON MEMORIAL GARDEN THURSDAY 1 NOVEMBER 2018 AT 11.00AM Led by Reverend Michael Hedley - Word of Life WRU Church, Ashington HUGH CAIRNS VC & DCM Hugh Cairns was born in Ashington, Northumberland, on 4 December 1896. He was the son of George and Elizabeth Cairns and the family home was on Seventh Avenue in the town. Hugh was the third of eleven children and attended Bothal School before his family emigrated to Saskatoon, in Canada, in 1911. Hugh was a keen footballer and was part of a championship winning team in his local Sunday School League and then was part of the St. Thomas Church team that won the Saskatoon League Championship in 1915. With the First World War raging Hugh and his brothers Albert and Henry enlisted in the Canadian Army in August 1915. They were described as inseparable brothers and Henry was the only one of the three to survive the war. In September 1917 Hugh was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal (DCM) for conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. At the time the DCM was the second highest award for gallantry in the British honours system. Hugh was 21 years old and had risen to Sergeant when his brother Albert was killed in September 1918 during the battle of Cumbrai. Hugh was determined to avenge Albert’s death and this may help explain his heroics in being awarded the Victoria Cross (VC) through the following deed; For most conspicuous bravery before Valenciennes on the 1 November, 1918, when a machine gun opened on his platoon. Without a moment's hesitation Sergeant 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. -Prayer- -The Lord’s Prayer- Our Father, who art in Heaven, Hallowed be thy name, Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in Heaven, Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses as we forget those who trespass against us, And lead us not into temptation, But deliver us from evil, for thine is the Kingdom, The power and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen. -Blessing by the Minister- The blessing of God almighty, The Father, Son and the Holy Spirit be with you and remain with you always. Amen. -The National Anthem- God save our gracious Queen Long live our noble Queen God Save the Queen Send her victorious Happy and glorious Long to reign over us God save the Queen - Thank you to Ashington Colliery Band for providing the music for today’s event 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 2 November from his wounds. Hugh Cairns is buried in the British Cemetery, at Auberchicourt, in northern France. The unveiling of the Commemorative Stone today, in the Ashington Memorial Garden, takes place on the 100TH Anniversary of Hugh being awarded the VC. It is a fitting recognition for one of Ashington’s favourite sons and serves as a reminder to us all of the sacrifices made to ensure our freedom. THE ASHINGTON AIRFIELD The Airfields of Britain Conservation Trust are pleased to honour the Ashington Airfield by placing a commemorative stone in the Ashington Memorial Garden. The Ashington Airfield, to the west of the town, had a cross shaped wood planted to help pilots locate the landing strip and can still be seen today. No. 36 Squadron flew from the airstrip during World War One. Today’s event provides an opportunity to honour those that served at the Ashington Airfield and recognise the important role it played, as part of Britain’s World War One Home Defence Stations, in winning the conflict. -Welcome- -Hymn- Great Is Thy Faithfulness Great is Thy faithfulness, O God my Father There is no shadow of turning with Thee Thou changest not, Thy compassions, they fail not As Thou hast been Thou forever wilt be Great is Thy faithfulness! Great is Thy faithfulness! Morning by morning new mercies I see All I have needed Thy hand hath provided Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me! Summer and winter, and springtime and harvest Sun, moon and stars in their courses above Join with all nature in manifold witness To Thy great faithfulness, mercy and love Pardon for sin and a peace that endureth Thine own dear presence to cheer and to guide Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow Blessings all mine, with ten thousand beside! -Opening Prayer- -The Last Post- -A period of silence- -Reveille- -Address- -Unveiling of the Hugh Cairns Victoria Cross Commemorative Stone- -Unveiling of the Airfields of Britain Conservation Trust Commemorative Stone- by Cllr. Dave Ledger (Northumberland County Council - Armed Forces Champion) -Hymn- Abide with Me Abide with me fast falls the eventide The darkness deepens Lord with me abide When other helpers fail and comfort flee Help of the helpless, O abide with me Swift to its close ebbs out life’s little day Earth’s joys grow dim its glories fade away Change and decay in all around I see O Thou who changest not, abide with me I need thy presence every passing hour What but thy grace can foil the tempest power Who like thyself my guide and stay can be Through cloud and sunshine Lord abide with me Hold Thou Thy Cross before my closing eyes Shine through the gloom and point me to the skies Heaven’s morning breaks and earth’s vain shadows flee In life, in death O Lord abide with me .
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