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| Page revised: 3 October, 2006 |
Major George de Cardonnel Elmsall FINDLAY VC |
| Born: | Boturich, Scotland - 20 August 1889 | 
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| Died: | Helensburgh, Scotland - 26 June 1967 | ||
| Burial details: | Kilmaronack, Gartocharn, Nr. Balloch, Scotland | ||
| Corps service: | Commissioned into the Corps in January 1910. He was awarded a Military Cross (MC) for gallantry at Passchendale after which he took command of 409 (Lowland) Field Company, a territorial comapany in June 1917. Colonel Findlay also served in World War Two. He became Deputy Lieutenant of the County of Dumbarton in 1957. Retired as Colonel G de CE Findlay VC, MC* |
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| VC awarded: | Won VC on the Sambre-Oise canal, near Catillon on 4 November 1918. (First World War 1914-18) | ||
| VC unit: | 409 (Lowland) Field Company. | ||
| VC presented: | VC presented by King George V at Buckingham Palace on 27 November 1919. | ||
| VC citation: | For conspicuous bravery and devotion to duty during
the forcing of the Sambre-Oise canal at the Lock, two miles from Catillon,
on 4 November 1918, when in charge of the bridging operations at this
crossing. Major Findlay was with the leading bridging and assaulting
parties which came under heavy fire while trying to cross the dyke
between the forming-up line and the Lock. The casualties were severe
and the advance was stopped. Nevertheless, under heavy and incessant
fire he collected what men he could and repaired the bridges, in spite
of heavy casualties in officers and other ranks. Although wounded,
Major Findlay continued his task and after two unsuccessful efforts,
owing to his men being swept down, he eventually placed the bridge
in position across the Lock, and was the first man across, subsequently
remaining at this post of danger till further work was completed.
His cool and gallant behaviour inspired volunteers from different
units at a critical time when men became casualties almost as soon
as they joined him in the fire-swept zone, and it was due to Major
Findlay's gallantry and devotion to duty that this most important
crossing was effected. (London Gazette: 15 May 1919) |
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| VC location: | Royal Engineers Museum | ||
| Background: | Findlay won his VC on the first day of the second
battle of Sambre (4 November 1918), which was part of the final
offensive of the war. The attack was opened on a front of 30 miles
from Valenciennes to the Sambre, north of Oisy. At this point the
60-70 feet wide Sambre-Oise canal runs approximately north-south,
about 5 miles east of Le Cateau. The canal was first barrier to
be encounted by troops in the northern attack. The British XIII
and IX Corps reached the canal first. German guns quickly ranged
the attackers, and bodies piled up before the temporary bridges
were properly emplaced under heavy fire.
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| Source:
Additional material: SC Fenwick, FoREM Links to further reading:
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Royal Engineers Museum main site
