REMEMBERING OUR LOCAL HEROES – SGT COLIN ALEXANDER BAIN

Above pictured with a beautiful print of a photograph of Sgt Bain is Cadet Sergeant Rebecca Harrison 17, Cadet Colour Sergeant Rhianna Lilburn 17 and Cadet Sergeant Hollie McAlpine 18.

Sgt Bain was born in Cromarty, Scotland in 1886.  He was one of 5 children born to Anne Bain and her husband Ronald Bain, who was a farm manager.  At the age of 7, his father Ronald passed away, leaving the family with no home or income.  As a result, one brother joined the lighthouse service, 2 emigrated to the USA and his sister married.  Colin was left with his mother and, as soon as he could, at the age of 19, he joined the 1st Battalion Seaforth Highlanders and saw service in India, France and Mesopotamia.

Above –  a portrait of Sgt Bain in his dress uniform, and the commemorative death medal which is still in the Bain family.

Colin was killed during the Battle of Wadi (modern day Iraq) on 13th January 1916, aged 30.  That day, 1600 men paid the ultimate sacrifice.

Sgt Bain’s mother received the commemorative medal following his death. He is commemorated at Basra memorial in Iraq.

The girls won a special glass trophy for the high quality of the presentation and are photographed above with Deputy Commander 38 (Irish) Brigade, Colonel Jamie Piggott.