Charles Findlay

Group Captain Charles Findlay DFC AFC (1891–1971) was a Scottish military officer. In World War I, he was a flying ace credited with fourteen aerial victories. He made the Royal Air Force his career and served throughout and beyond World War II.

Early life and service Charles Findlay was a married arts student in Glasgow when World War I began. He enlisted as a private in the Mounted Field Ambulance Section of the 52nd (Lowland) Division in March 1915, but then was commissioned a second lieutenant in the Highland Light Infantry's 6th Battalion, effective 8 September 1915. He was posted to the Highlanders at their base at Kantara, Egypt, and fought in their Sinai Campaign in December 1916. He then transferred to the Royal Flying Corps. he also drove down three more out of control, all without his plane taking a single bullet hole. On 30 June 1931, he was promoted from Flight Lieutenant to Squadron Leader. He went on to command of 9 Squadron, and of RAF Hyton. He was awarded the Air Force Cross on 9 June 1938. Promotion to Group Captain came on 1 September 1940. He retired in 1941 as a Group Captain, but returned to be re-employed for another five years. Between the wars Findlay was one of the men responsible for maintaining the nucleus of the RAF which was to perform heroically in the Battle of Britain. Although physically he did not take part in that famous chapter of World War Two, the personnel who did used much of his knowledge and expertise.

Honours and awards Text of citation for Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC):

Lieut. (A./.Capt.) Charles Findlay. (FRANCE) On 29 October this officer led his flight with the greatest dash and determination against a hostile formation of about fifty machines. Reinforced by six more machines—making a total of twelve in all—he fought his patrol against the enemy's overwhelming numbers for upwards of half-on-hour, but the enemy being continuously reinforced he was eventually forced to withdraw. Cleverly extricating his formation he retired across the lines, our only casualties being one pilot and one observer wounded. The enemy lost heavily, five machines being shot down in flames (one by Capt. Findlay), four destroyed and six driven down out of control.