Charles Findlay facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Charles Findlay
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| Born | 22 June 1891 Glasgow, Scotland |
| Died | 1971 (aged 79–80) Kilcreggan, Scotland |
| Allegiance |  United Kingdom |
| Service/ |
British Army Royal Air Force |
| Years of service | 1915–1946 |
| Rank | Group Captain |
| Service number | 04001 (RAF) |
| Unit | 52nd (Lowland Division) Highland Light Infantry No. 52 Training Squadron RFC No. 88 Squadron RAF |
| Commands held | No. 9 Squadron RAF RAF Wyton |
| Battles/wars | World War I World War II |
| Awards | Distinguished Flying Cross Air Force Cross |
Group Captain Charles Findlay was a Scottish military officer. He was born in 1891 and passed away in 1971. During World War I, he became a famous pilot known as a "flying ace." This means he won 14 air battles against enemy planes. After the war, he continued his career in the Royal Air Force. He also served during World War II.
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Charles Findlay's Early Life
Charles Findlay was studying arts in Glasgow, Scotland, when World War I started. In March 1915, he joined the army as a private. He was part of the medical team for the 52nd (Lowland) Division. Later, in September 1915, he became an officer. He joined the 6th Battalion of the Highland Light Infantry. He fought with them in Egypt during the Sinai Campaign in 1916. After this, he decided to join the Royal Flying Corps, which was the air force at the time.
Flying in World War I
Findlay began his pilot training with No. 52 Squadron RFC. He became a qualified pilot in May 1917. He was so good that he stayed with the squadron as an instructor. Later, he taught at the Gunnery School in Ayrshire.
In early 1918, Findlay asked to join a fighter squadron. He was sent to No. 88 Squadron RAF, which was forming at RAF Kenley. This squadron flew new Bristol F.2 Fighter planes. They moved to France in April 1918.
Becoming a Flying Ace
Charles Findlay scored his first victory on July 30, 1918. He forced an enemy Pfalz D.III plane out of control. On August 6, he began a streak of 13 wins against Fokker D.VII planes. These were the newest German fighter planes. On August 11, he had an amazing day. He won four battles, setting two Fokkers on fire and forcing two others down.
He finished his impressive record on October 30, 1918. On that day, he won two more air battles. In total, he destroyed 11 enemy planes. Six of these planes caught fire. He also forced three more planes out of control. What's even more amazing is that his own plane never got a single bullet hole!
Findlay did more than just fight in the air. He also helped with raids on enemy airfields. He even worked on new ways to use wireless radio between airplanes.
After World War I
After World War I, Charles Findlay was a captain. He chose to stay in the Royal Air Force. He continued to rise through the ranks. He became a Flight Lieutenant in 1923 and a Squadron Leader in 1931. He even commanded No. 9 Squadron RAF and RAF Wyton.
He was promoted to Wing Commander in 1937. In 1938, he received the Air Force Cross for his excellent service. By 1940, he became a Group Captain. He officially retired in 1941. However, he returned to serve for another five years.
Between the two World Wars, Findlay helped keep the RAF strong. His knowledge and skills were very important. They helped train the pilots who fought bravely in the Battle of Britain during World War II. Even though he wasn't flying in that famous battle, his work helped those who did. In late 1942, Findlay went to Rhodesia. He became the Commanding Officer at Moffat Airbase. He stayed there for two years.
After his service, Charles Findlay returned to Scotland. He settled in Kilcreggan, a village in Argyle and Bute. He passed away there in 1971.
Awards and Recognition
Charles Findlay received several important awards for his bravery and service.
Distinguished Flying Cross
He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC). This award is given for acts of courage during flight. His award citation described a battle on October 29. He led his flight against about 50 enemy planes. Even though they were greatly outnumbered, Findlay and his team fought bravely for over half an hour. They were eventually forced to retreat. However, they managed to escape with only two wounded. The enemy lost many planes, with five shot down in flames (one by Findlay himself). Four more were destroyed, and six were forced out of control.
