Friday 13 February 2009

Lieutenant John Kennedy Finlayson, MC

Born on 23 May 1885 in Glasgow, Scotland - son of William Finlayson, Harris, Saskatchewan - at the time of his enlistment in 1915: trade as bank accountant, single, no current or previous military service, Presbyterian, height of 5 feet 4 inches, chest of 35 inches fully expanded, medium complexion, grey eyes, brown hair.

Joined the No. 3 University Company, CEF, in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, on 12 July 1915 (number 475844) - transferred to the Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry, CEF, on 30 November 1915 - wounded on 1 January 1916 - wounded on 29 June 1916 - invalided to England on 1 July 1916 - transferred to the 7th Reserve Battalion, CEF, as a Lieutenant on 1 July 1917 - transferred to the 38th Battalion, CEF, as a Lieutenant on 22 August 1918 - wounded on 29 September or 2 October 1918 - invalided to England on 4 October 1918.

Awarded the Military Cross - official citation: "For great courage and devotion to duty during the operations in the vicinity of Bourlon, on 29th September, 1918. He handled his platoon in a most skillful manner in the attack on enemy positions in the vicinity of the Douai-Cambrai road, carrying on after being wounded in the neck. Later, when his company commander was wounded he crawled out thirty yards under heavy machine-gun fire, and, with assistance, succeeded in bringing him in. He refused to leave his post until he was relieved by another officer three hours later." - unit recommendation dated 4 October 1918: "For bravery and conscientious and unselfish devotion to duty, during operations in the vicinity of Bourlon, 29th Sept. '18."

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