Robert Henry Cain

He fought German armour and held the ground despite injuries

Robert Henry Cain was born in Shanghai in 1909 and grew up on the Isle of Man. He joined the Honourable Artillery Company in 1928 and worked overseas for Shell before receiving an emergency commission in the Royal Northumberland Fusiliers in 1940. Attached to the 2nd South Staffordshire Regiment, he fought in Sicily with the 1st Airborne Division.

During the Arnhem battle in September 1944, Major Cain's company became isolated and faced repeated attacks by German armour and infantry. He exposed himself to bring anti-tank weapons into action, continuing despite wounds and blast injuries. His determined leadership helped preserve a vital part of the Oosterbeek defensive perimeter. He escaped across the Rhine with the survivors and received the Victoria Cross.

Cain later served in Norway during the German surrender. Leaving the army in 1945, he resumed his Shell career overseas before retiring to the Isle of Man. He died on 2 May 1974 and was buried in Braddan Cemetery.

Victoria Cross citation (excerpt)

“His coolness and courage under incessant fire could not be surpassed.”

London Gazette, 2 November 1944.