Background
Fairbairn was born at Melbourne Australia, the son of Thomas Fairbairn, a pastoralist and his wife Lena Carmyle.
Fairbairn was born at Melbourne Australia, the son of Thomas Fairbairn, a pastoralist and his wife Lena Carmyle.
He was killed in action in the First World War. He was educated at Jesus College, Cambridge and rowed for Cambridge in the Boat Race in 1908. In 1909 he missed the Boat Race because of illness.
Fairbairn also played rugby for Rosslyn Park F.C.
During the First World War, Fairbairn served as a second lieutenant with the Durham Light Infantry and was killed in action at Bailleul.
He was buried at the Bailleul Communal Cemetery nearby.