Orders, Decorations and Medals

A superb D.C.M., M.M. group awarded to Serjeant Alexander Cairns, Durham Light Infantry, who won the M.M. during the attack by Frankforce in France, 1940, and the D.C.M. for the battle of Gazala, North Africa, in 1942.

DISTINGUISHED CONDUCT MEDAL, G.VI.R. (3191131 Sjt., Durh. L.I.); MILITARY MEDAL, G.VI.R. (3191131 L-Cpl., Durh. L.I.); 1939-45 STAR; AFRICA STAR, clasp, 8th Army; ITALY STAR; FRANCE AND GERMANY STAR; DEFENCE and WAR MEDALS, the group mounted for display with a D.L.I. cap badge and sold with the recipient's 'Soldier's Release Book' and original Warrant as a Warrant Officer in the Territorial Army, dated 1947, very fine (8)

D.C.M., London Gazette, 24 September 1942: ‘Sgt. Alexander Cairns, M.M., 8th Bn. The Durham Light Infantry, in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in the Middle East.’ The following citation is taken from the official recommendation for an Immediate D.C.M. (originally recommended for a bar to the M.M..): 'In the Gazala area, on the morning of 6 June, 1942, enemy positions were located to the south of the 8 D.L. Outpost. It was decided to attack these positions with four carriers and a section of infantry. Sergeant Cairns led the Carrier attack with such dash and determination that the enemy positions were overun and 10 officers, 200 men and a number of anti-tank guns, heavy and light machine-guns captured.'

M.M., London Gazette, 20 December, 1940, Lance-Corporal (Actg. Corporal) Alexander Cairns, the Durham Light Infantry, in recognition of gallant conduct in action with the enemy. The following citation is taken from the official recommendation for the M.M. (originally recommended for the D.C.M.): 'At Walrus, L/Cpl. Cairns, who is a driver, was assisting to get his anti-tank gun off its truck when the latter was destroyed by enemy fire. In spite of this the gun was put into action but Nos. 1 and 3 were shot from the air. L/Cpl. Cairns immediately went to the gun and took over the duties of No. 1 and continued to fire although wounded in the hand. He then withdrew his guns when ordered to do so and helped to cover the movement to another position of rifle companies of 8 Durham L.I. Although cut off he succeeded in making his way back to his unit and went straight back into action. He showed exceptional coolness and courage in action.'