Sergeant David Cairns

David Cairns was the son of Ewen and Alice Cairns; husband of Isabella Cairns and father of Ella Cairns, of Edinburgh. He enlisted in the General Service Corps and volunteered for airborne forces.

Sergeant Cairns successfully completed parachute training at RAF Ringway, on course number 80, from 30 August to 9 September 1943. His course report stated “Well above the average, excellent performer, good leader”. He was posted to B Company, 12th Battalion, The Parachute Regiment, and took part in Operation Overlord (Normandy).

Sgt Cairns was killed in action on 9 June 1944, aged 26, and was given a field burial at St Honorine de Chardonnerette and re-interred to Ranville War Cemetery, Calvados, France, on 30 August 1945.

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