Colonel George de Cardonnel Elmsall FindlayVCMC & Bar (20 August 1889 – 26 June 1967) was a Scottish recipient of the Victoria Cross, the highest and most prestigious award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces.
Findlay was commissioned into the Royal Engineers in January 1910. He was awarded a Military Cross for gallantry at the Battle of Passchendale and was mentioned in despatches.[3] Following this which he took command of 409 (Lowland) Field Company, a territorial company in June 1917.[citation needed]
In September 1921 Findlay married Dorothy Gordon at St Ninian's Episcopal Church in Glasgow.[4]. The marriage was later dissolved and he married Nellie Constance Barclay Clark in 1959.[5]
On 4 November 1918 during the forcing of the Sambre-Oise Canal at the lock south of Catillon, France, Major Findlay was with the leading bridging and assaulting parties which came under heavy fire and the advance was stopped. Nevertheless, he collected what men he could and repaired the bridge, under incessant fire. Although wounded he continued with his task and after two unsuccessful efforts managed to place the bridge in position across the lock and was the first man across, remaining at this dangerous post until further work was completed.
The family story goes that the reason Major Findlay crossed safely was because he was a slow runner. The Germans overcompensated their aim and thus missed him as he led his men across the bridge.[7]
Further information
He achieved the rank of colonel and served in World War II. He became Deputy Lieutenant of the County of Dumbarton in 1957.
Findlay died in June 1967 is buried at Kilmaronock Church, near Gartocharn, West Dunbartonshire, Scotland.[8][9]
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