- Langholm Burgh Medal
- Distinguished Conduct Medal
- Military Cross
- Military Medal
- St George Medal (Russian)
Lawson Cairns‘s actions in April 1915 earned him the Distinguished Conduct Medal (see 23rd to 26th April in the Diary). Over the next three years, 22 other Langholmites also earned medals for bravery.
1. Langholm Burgh Medal
The Langholm Burgh Medal was a 1919 decoration for 23 soldiers who had been awarded gallantry medals in the Great War and who were closely connected with the town.
The 21 surviving recipients were given their medals by the Earl of Dalkeith (later 8th Duke of Buccleuch) in a ceremony in the Buccleuch Hall. The photo below was taken after the ceremony. The Earl of Dalkeith is in army uniform and the Burgh Medals can be seen on the recipients. Lawson Cairns is behind the Earl of Dalkeith’s left shoulder.
The Burgh Medal recipients had received four types of gallantry medals: see items 2 to 5 below.
For further information on the recipients, see here.
2. Distinguished Conduct Medal
The Distinguished Conduct Medal was instituted in 1854 for bravery in the field by ‘other ranks’ (those with no commission) and was second only to the Victoria Cross. It was awarded to four Langholm soldiers.
3. Military Cross
The Military Cross was instituted in December 1914 for exemplary gallantry on land by commissioned officers up to the rank of captain and by warrant officers (see Military ranks). It was awarded to six Langholm officers.
4. Military Medal
The Military Medal was instituted in 1916 for gallantry and devotion to duty under fire, by other ranks. It was awarded to 12 Langholm soldiers.
5. St George Medal (Russian)
The St George Medal was instituted in 1878 and was awarded by Imperial Russia for bravery. It was received by one Langholm soldier.
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