🇬🇧 WWII uncovered: Major Robert Henry Cain Awarded the Victoria Cross for Valor at the Battle of Arnhem.

 🇬🇧 WWII uncovered: Major Robert Henry Cain Awarded the Victoria Cross for Valor at the Battle of Arnhem.


Robert Henry Cain, born on 2 January 1909, grew up on the Isle of Man where he was educated at King William's College.

 In April 1940 Cain was given an emergency commission into the Royal Northumberland Fusiliers as a Second Lieutenant.

 In 1942, he was seconded to 2nd Battalion South Staffordshire Regiment before being temporarily promoted to the rank of Major in April 1943. 

On 19th September 1944 Major Cain was commanding a rifle company of the South Staffordshire Regiment during the Battle of Arnhem when he virtually single-handedly stopped the advance of numerous German tanks and artillery.

 Even though he was seriously wounded, Cain never gave up. 

⭐Major Cain's Victoria Cross Citation reads as follows:

War Office, 2nd November, 1944.

The KING has been graciously pleased to approve awards of the VICTORIA CROSS to:

Captain (temporary Major) Robert Henry Cain (129484), The Royal Northumberland Fusiliers, (attd. The South Staffordshire Regiment) (I Airborne Division) (Salcombe, Devon).

In Holland on 19th September, 1944, Major Cain was commanding a rifle company of the South Staffordshire Regiment during the Battle of Arnhem when his company was cut off from the rest of the battalion and during the next six days was closely engaged with enemy tanks, self-propelled guns and infantry.

 The Germans made repeated attempts to break into the company position by infiltration and had they succeeded in doing so the whole situation of the Airborne Troops would have been jeopardised.

Major Cain, by his outstanding devotion to duty and remarkable powers of leadership, was to a large extent personally responsible for saving a vital sector from falling into the hands of the enemy.

"On 20 September a Tiger tank approached the area held by his company and Major Cain went out alone to deal with it armed with a Piat. 

Taking up a position he held his fire until the tank was only 20 yards away when he opened up. 

The tank immediately halted and turned its guns on him, shooting away a corner of the house near where this officer was lying.

 Although wounded by fire and falling masonry, Major Cain continued firing until he had scored several direct hits, immobilised the tank and supervised the bringing up of a 75 mm. 

howitzer which completely destroyed it. Only then would he consent to have his wounds dressed.

"In the next morning this officer drove off three more tanks by the fearless use of his Piat, on each occasion leaving cover and taking up position in open ground with complete disregard for his personal safety.

"During the following days, Major Cain was everywhere where danger threatened, moving amongst his men and encouraging them by his fearless example to hold out. 

He refused rest and medical attention in spite of the fact that his hearing had been seriously impaired because of a perforated eardrum and he was suffering from multiple wounds.

"On 25 September the enemy made a concerted attack on Major Cain's position, using self-propelled guns, flame throwers and infantry.

 By this time the last Piat had been put out of action and Major Cain was armed with only a light 2" mortar.

 However, by a skilful use of this weapon and his daring leadership of the few men still under his command, he completely demoralized the enemy who, after an engagement lasting more than three hours, withdrew in disorder.

"Throughout the whole course of the Battle of Arnhem, Major Cain showed superb gallantry.

 His powers of endurance and leadership were the admiration of all his fellow officers and stories of his valour were being constantly exchanged amongst the troops.

 His coolness and courage under incessant fire could not be surpassed" - The London Gazette (31 October 1944).

Cain would go on to travel to Norway with the 1st Airlanding Brigade on 11 May 1945 for Operation Doomsday where he would supervise the surrender and acquisition of the German military.

 Major Robert Cain separated from service on 28 December 1945.

After the war Robert resumed his employment with Shell Corporation and in 1965 he retired to the Isle of Man where he lived until his passing on 2 May 1974 at the age of 65 years old. 

Major Robert Henry Cain lies in rest at Braddan Cemetery, Isle of Man. Lest We Forget.

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