Finlay McQuistan facts for kids

Captain Finlay McQuistan DFC (born October 4, 1896 – died September 4, 1950) was a Scottish pilot during World War I. He was known as a flying ace, which means he was a pilot who shot down many enemy planes. He won 11 air battles during the war.

Early Life of Finlay McQuistan

Finlay McQuistan was born in Greenock West, Scotland, on October 4, 1896. His parents were Finlay and Agnes J. McQuistan.

Finlay McQuistan's Service in World War I

Finlay McQuistan started his military career in the army. On June 26, 1916, he moved from his artillery unit to the Royal Flying Corps. This was the air force part of the British army at the time. He became a second lieutenant and a flying officer.

First Flying Job

His first flying job was with No. 12 Squadron RFC. He flew a B.E.2 plane. This type of plane had two seats and was used for looking at enemy positions. In September, he got injured, and this job ended.

Joining No. 55 Squadron

In March 1917, he joined No. 55 Squadron RFC. On June 9, he flew an Airco DH.4 plane. He won his first air battle that day, but he got injured again. On June 27, he became a lieutenant. By August 25, he was made a temporary captain and leader of a group of planes called a flight commander.

Flying the Sopwith Dolphin

On March 1, 1918, he changed squadrons again. He joined No. 19 Squadron RFC. Here, he got to fly a new type of plane called the Sopwith Dolphin. This was a single-seat fighter plane. On May 17, he won his second air battle.

He became a flight commander and temporary captain again on August 9. By October 5, he had won nine more air battles. Only one of these victories was shared with other pilots: Gordon Budd Irving, John De Pencier, and Cecil Gardner. In total, McQuistan shot down two German fighter planes that caught fire. He also destroyed another German aircraft and forced eight more to crash out of control.

After the War

After World War I, on October 24, 1919, Finlay McQuistan was given a short-term job as a flying officer in the Royal Air Force. However, on March 20, 1922, he left the Royal Air Force.

Finlay McQuistan passed away on September 4, 1950. He was living in Kirkintilloch, Scotland, at the time.

Awards and Recognition

Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC)

Finlay McQuistan received the Distinguished Flying Cross for his bravery. This award is given to officers in the Royal Air Force for acts of courage during air operations.

The award citation said: "Captain McQuistan showed great determination and courage. He made other pilots in his squadron feel very confident. He led over 30 offensive patrols, which are flights to attack the enemy. His squadron's success in the past three months was largely because of his skilled leadership. This officer has destroyed or forced down nine enemy planes out of control."