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Finlay McQuistan

1896 – 1950

British World War I flying ace

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About Finlay McQuistan

Lived 1896 – 1950 (aged 53). Finlay McQuistan was a British military personnel.

Captain Finlay McQuistan (4 October 1896 – 4 September 1950) was a Scottish World War I flying ace who was credited with 11 aerial victories.

Early life Finlay McQuistan was the son of Finlay and Agnes J. McQuistan, in Greenock West, Scotland. and flying officer. He was assigned to No. 12 Squadron RFC to fly A wounding in September ended this posting. and 25 August, was appointed a flight commander with the temporary rank of captain.

On 1 March 1918, he reverted from the post of flight commander and rank of captain, with his seniority set back to 26 June 1916. This was probably as a result of transferring to No. 19 Squadron, On 17 May, he scored his second victory. and by 5 October, he had added nine more victories, only one of which was a shared, with Gordon Budd Irving, John De Pencier, and Cecil Gardner. McQuistan's final tally was two German fighters set afire, another German aircraft destroyed, and eight sent down out of control.

Postwar On 24 October 1919, he was granted a short service commission as a flying officer. On 20 March 1922, he was removed from the Royal Air Force.

Finlay McQuistan was living at Corrieview, Queen-Street, Kirkintilloch, Scotland when he died on 4 September 1950.

Honours and awards Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC) Lieutenant (Acting Captain) Finlay McQuistan. "By his example of determination and courage Capt. McQuistan has inspired the greatest confidence in the other pilots of his squadron. He has led over 30 squadron offensive patrols, and the success attained by his squadron during the past three months is largely due to his skilful leadership. This officer has destroyed or driven down out of control nine enemy machines."

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Important facts

Birth century
Occupation
Awards
Distinguished Flying Cross; Distinguished Flying Cross (United Kingdom)

People in Finlay McQuistan's life

Named in this biography and alive at the same time

Contemporaries

People whose lives overlapped Finlay McQuistan's

Frequently asked questions

Who was Finlay McQuistan?

British World War I flying ace

When was Finlay McQuistan born?

Finlay McQuistan was born on 4 October 1896 in Greenock West.

When did Finlay McQuistan die?

Finlay McQuistan died on 4 September 1950 in Glasgow.

What was Finlay McQuistan's occupation?

Finlay McQuistan was a military personnel.

What nationality was Finlay McQuistan?

Finlay McQuistan was British.

Sources & further reading

· Wikipedia: Finlay McQuistan

· Wikidata: Q5450544

· DBpedia: Finlay McQuistan

Cite this page

APA: Biography.guide. (2026). Finlay McQuistan. https://biography.guide/finlay-mcquistan/

MLA: "Finlay McQuistan." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/finlay-mcquistan/.

Chicago: "Finlay McQuistan." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/finlay-mcquistan/.

Data last updated: 2026-09-20 · Spot an error? Report a correction.

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