CAINS, Norman Sydney
| Service Numbers: | Officer, NX112693 |
|---|---|
| Enlisted: | 24 July 1915, Liverpool, NSW |
| Last Rank: | Major |
| Last Unit: | 30 Infantry Battalion AMF |
| Born: | Waverley, New South Wales, Australia, 12 August 1894 |
| Home Town: | Waverley, Waverley, New South Wales |
| Schooling: | Not yet discovered |
| Occupation: | Draftsman |
| Died: | Natural causes, Bulli, New South Wales, Australia, 29 December 1984, aged 90 years |
| Cemetery: |
Macquarie Park Cemetery and Crematorium, Ryde, New South Wales General Lawn, V6, Grave 0057 |
| Memorials: |
World War 1 Service
| 24 Jul 1915: | Enlisted AIF WW1, Second Lieutenant, Officer, 34th Infantry Battalion, Liverpool, NSW | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Aug 1916: | Promoted AIF WW1, Lieutenant, 34th Infantry Battalion | |
| 18 Sep 1916: | Transferred AIF WW1, Lieutenant, 3rd (Divisional) Medium and Heavy Trench Mortar Batteries | |
| 2 Nov 1916: | Transferred AIF WW1, Lieutenant, 34th Infantry Battalion | |
| 7 Sep 1917: | Promoted AIF WW1, Captain, 34th Infantry Battalion | |
| 28 Dec 1917: | Honoured Mention in Dispatches, For distinguished and gallant services, and devotion to duty in the field from 26 February to 21 September 1917. | |
| 16 Sep 1918: | Honoured Military Cross, German Spring Offensive 1918, For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty during an attack on enemy position in the vicinity of Morlancourt near Albert on the night of May 5/6 1918. He was in command of a Company during the attack and led his men in a most courageous manner to the final objective. He consolidated the captured position most skillfully. The enemy during the night counter attacked the Company and drove in the right flank. Captain Cains immediately organised and led a counter attack and promptly ejected the enemy. He exhibited magnificent leadership and fearlessness throughout the operation. | |
| 1 Feb 1919: | Honoured Military Cross and bar, "The Last Hundred Days", For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty west of Bray on 22nd August 1918. He commanded a company on the left flank during a withdrawal of the line, protecting that flank which was in the air, and maintaining liaison with the next unit. His courage, determination, and ability were a fine example to the men, and contributed to the defeat of the counter attack. | |
| 25 Sep 1919: | Discharged AIF WW1, Captain, 34th Infantry Battalion |
World War 2 Service
| 1 Oct 1941: | Enlisted Australian Military Forces (WW2) , Major, NX112693 | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Jul 1943: | Discharged Australian Military Forces (WW2) , Major, NX112693, 30 Infantry Battalion AMF | |
| Date unknown: | Enlisted Australian Military Forces (WW2) , Major, NX112693 |
Help us honour Norman Sydney Cains's service by contributing information, stories, and images so that they can be preserved for future generations.
Add my storyBiography contributed by Daryl Jones
Son of William Charles Cains, 183 Old South Head Road, Waverley, Sydney, New South Wales
Served for 6 years in the 25th (City of Sydney) Infantry, Citizen Military Forces prior to enlisting in WWI.
Mention in Despatches
Awarded, and gazetted, 'London Gazette', second Supplement, No. 30448 (28 December 1917); 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 57 (18 April 1918).
Military Cross
'For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. He led his company successfully to his objective under heavy fire, and skilfully consolidated his position. When the enemy counter-attacked, he drove them back, showing fine leadership and courage.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 15
Date: 4 February 1919
Bar to Military Cross
'For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty west of Bray on 22nd August 1918. He commanded a company on the left flank during a withdrawal of the line, protecting that flank which was in the air, and maintaining liaison with the next unit. His courae, determination, and ability were a fine example to the men, and contributed to the defeat of the counter attack.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 67
Date: 3 June 1919
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