Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Police Constable

Unit:

Bootle Police Force, British Police Forces, Home Office, British Government

Awarded on:

July 29th, 1941

"During an air raid a shelter together with its occupants was blown into the rafters of a house. Under the leadership of Police Constable Cairns, rescuers climbed to the damaged roof' and lowered the victims to the ground. During this time adjacent houses were on fire and bombs dropped nearby shaking the roof which was in a very dangerous condition. The Constable fell through on two or three occasions but recovered himself and carried on until the rescue work was completed. It was due to the initiative and energy of Police Constable Cairns that the rescues were achieved."