World War I Victoria Cross Recipient. A native of Scotland, he received the award from British King George V on November 27, 1919 at Buckingham Palace in London, England for his actions as an acting major in the 409th (Lowland) Field Company, Corps of Royal Engineers, British Army on November 4, 1918 during the Second Battle of Sambre, France, in the closing days of World War I. The son of a successful businessman, he received his education at St. Ninian's Preparatory School in Moffat, Dumfriesshire, Scotland and Harrow School in London, England. In January 1910 he received a commission into the Corps of Royal Engineers. Following the outbreak of World War I in July 1914, he was sent to the Western Front in France and participated in the Battle of Passchendaele where he was awarded the Military Cross for gallantry. In June 1917 he became commander of the 409th Field Company and in November 1918 he was at the Second Battle of Sambre, where he won the Victoria Cross. He remained in the British Army until his retirement in 1939 but was called back to active service when World War II erupted and achieved the rank of colonel. He retired again in 1941 but was recalled in 1943, serving in Italy, and retired for good when the war in the European Theater concluded in May 1945. In 1957 he became the Deputy Lieutenant of County Dumbarton, Scotland. He died at the age of 77. His Victoria Cross citation reads: "For most conspicuous bravery and devotion to duty during the forcing of the Sambre-Oise Canal at the Lock, two miles south of Catillon on 4th November, 1918, when in charge of 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 assault 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 men. Although wounded, Major Findlay continued with 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 until further work was completed. His cool and gallant behavior 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." In addition to the Victoria Cross, he received the Military Cross (with bar), the 1914-15 Star, the British War Medal (1914-20), the Victory Medal (1914-19), the Italy Star, and the World War II British War Medal (1939-45). His Victoria Cross and other medals are on display at the Royal Engineers Museum in Chatham, Kent, England.