V.C. FOR DEAD OFFICER HERO IN BURMA

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXXVI, Issue 22952, 21 May 1949, Page 5

V.C. FOR DEAD OFFICER HERO IN BURMA

(N.Z.P.A.—Reuter —Copyright.) (11 a.m.) LONDON, May 20. One of the most remarkable deeds of heroism in Iho war against the Japanese received recognition tonight when the London Gazette announced that the Victoria Cross had been awarded posthumously to Lieutenant George Albert Cairns, of the Somerset Light Infantry, On March 13. 1944 Lieutenant Cairns led an attack against a hill-top at Broad Bay in Burma from which the Japanese were launching heavy attacks against the British positions. A Japanese officer hacked off Lieutenant Cairns left arm with his sword. Despite this dreadful injury. Lientcnant Cairns killed the Japanese officer, picked up his sword and leaped at a group of Japanese soldiers. He killed and wounded several Japanese before he fell mortally wounded.' His action so inspired his men that the Japanese were completely routed. Then began a five-year fight for the recognition of Lieutenant Cairn’s gallantry. Records of the action, with the evidence of three witnesses, were lost when General Wingate died in an airTwo witnesses had been killed when the matter was reopened. A former infantry brigade commander in Burma, Major Calvert, had the case reopened six weeks ago.