Major CAIN V.C.

Major Robert Cain, South Staffordshire Regiment, was awarded the Victoria Cross for his exhibition of bravery during the Battle of Arnhem (Operation Market Garden). During this campaign Cain showed coolness and courage under intense enemy fire saving the lives of many fellow soldiers and single-handedly destroying a number of German tanks. Some experts have been so impressed as to suggest that no-one was ever more deserving of the Victoria Cross than Major Cain. When Cain joined the battle the Staffords were under heavy attack by tank and heavy guns. By firing mortars at almost point blank range towards the Germans, the British were able to hold their ground. Cain and Major Jock Buchanan assisted Lieutenant Georges Dupenois in repelling the tanks by drawing fire and providing him with ammunition for his PIAT gun (low-tech anti-tank gun). Although no tanks were destroyed they were held back until Cain’s forces were ordered to retreat. Over the next few days Cain had further run-ins with German tanks, taking it upon himself to destroy as many as possible. When the the Stafford’s position was approached by two Tiger tanks Cain lay in wait for them with a PIAT gun. The initial exchange left the Major wounded. However by taking refuge in a nearby house Cain was able to fire upon one tank and disable it, the crew being gunned down as they bailed out. Cain then fired on the second tank. Unfortunately the bomb was faulty and blew up feet from his face blinding him. After being dragged off by his men a 75mm gun was brought forward, blowing the second tank apart. Half an hour later Cain’s sight returned. Ignoring his doctor’s advice he declared himself fit for duty. Arming himself with another PIAT gun he went off in search of tanks, often alone. As tanks continued to harass the British position Cain would often rush to the fore and set about destroying the enemy vehicle, in one instance only being held back by eventual failure of his anti-tank gun. Eventually, his eardrums burst from his constant firing, but he continued to take on any tanks he encountered, contenting himself with merely stuffing pieces of field dressing into his ears. Three days later German forces again attacked Cain’s position. By this time there were no more PIAT’s available to the Major. Undeterred, he armed himself with a two inch mortar and added further trophies to his collection, while his brilliant leadership ensured that the South Staffords gave no ground and drove the enemy off in complete disorder. By the end of the Battle, Cain had been responsible for the destruction or disabling of six tanks, four of which were Tigers, as well as a number of self-propelled guns. The conduct of Major Cain throughout was exemplary. Because of his outstanding leadership and actions in battle he was awarded the Victoria Cross; the only man to receive this medal at Arnhem and live to tell the tale. His citation stated “His coolness and courage under incessant fire could not be surpassed”.