Private Robert Cairns
Name recorded on the Tyne Cot Memorial, Zonnebeke, West Vlaanderen, Belgium. Name also commemorated on Glendermott Parish Church World War 1 Memorial.
Son of Mr John Cairns, Tirbracken, Drumahoe
The Reverend J. G. Paton, chaplain, said in a letter to Mrs Cairns: 'Your son was doing his duty bravely in the big battle on 16th August when he was hit by a shell and died immediately. He was a good boy and a brave soldier. He has given his life for home and country, and what better could any man do? His officers and comrades ask me to extend to you their heartfelt sympathy in your great loss. May God be with you and keep you at this time.'
Private Robert Cairns' brother, Private John Cairns, took part in the great advance on July 1, 1916, went missing, and was later assumed dead. Both were members of the U.V.F.
In August 1921, Robert and John Cairns' father, mother, sisters and brothers-in-law placed the following sentiments in a Derry newspaper:
'Still oft I think, when all alone,
The honour great I bear,
That I have two sons before the Throne,
Who call me mother there.
Fold them, O Father, in Thy arms,
And let them henceforth be
A messenger of love between
Our broken hearts and Thee.'