The Scottish War Graves Project

apanderson · Joined: 02 Oct 2007 Posts: 6903 Location: Stirlingshire

I'm not 100% sure whether a non-comm means not commemorated at all on CWGC or SNWM, or just one or other?

Anyway, the following is a SNWM entry which I can't find on CWGC (under any variant of his name), the grave is in Old Monkland Cemetery

Advice please!

Surname CAIRNS
Firstname John
Service number 1345858
Date of death 24/06/1943
Decoration
Place of birth Coatbridge
Other
SNWM roll ROYAL AIR FORCE and DOMINION AIR FORCES
Rank L A C
Theatre of death R.A.F.V.R. C.C.

Son of John and Lily Cairns (nee Smillie)

Anne

DerekR · Joined: 04 Oct 2007 Posts: 809 Location: Hawick

Anne,

Post a query here:

http://www.rafcommands.com/forum/index.php
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There must be a place under the sun where hearts of Olden Glory grow young .....

apanderson · Joined: 02 Oct 2007 Posts: 6903 Location: Stirlingshire

Thanks for the link Derek, I've joined up and asked the question, so we'll have to wait and see now.

Anne

apanderson · Joined: 02 Oct 2007 Posts: 6903 Location: Stirlingshire

Thanks to the Forum Derek recommended:

'Scotlands People'
The death of a John Cairns aged 21 was registered on 25 June 1943 at Glasgow.
His occupation is listed as 'Former Aircraftman RAF'.
He died on the 24 June and was living in Glasgow at the time of his death.
His usual address is given as 4 Blair Rd, Coatbridge.
His parents are listed James Cairns & Lily Cairns nee Smillie (deceased).
Cause of death is difficult to read but is due to a disease of some description that spread from the testicles.

Being a former Aircraftman would explain why he is not listed on CWGC site.

Why, I wonder, is he listed on SNWM?

Anne

DerekR · Joined: 04 Oct 2007 Posts: 809 Location: Hawick

Good question.
He won't be CWGC commemorated as the cause of death doesn't sound service related.
What's the criteria for SNWM listing?
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There must be a place under the sun where hearts of Olden Glory grow young .....

apanderson · Joined: 02 Oct 2007 Posts: 6903 Location: Stirlingshire

Dear knows Derek - but like you, I'd like to know the answer.

Did you read all the posts on the R.A.F. Forum? It was really buzzing for a while! The co-incidence of 2 John Cairns was spooky - don't you think?

I feel a wee visit to Kirky might be on the horizon - you never know - John Cairns (and his brother) might be listed on a stone there!!

Anne Laughing

DerekR · Joined: 04 Oct 2007 Posts: 809 Location: Hawick

Every now and again I have spooky moments - things that can't be explained just by co-incidence. Shocked

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There must be a place under the sun where hearts of Olden Glory grow young .....