The AIF Project

Gilbert George FINLAY

Regimental number261
Place of birthGrafton New South Wales
ReligionPresbyterian
OccupationBushman
AddressAlpine House, Victoria Street, Darlinghurst, New South Wales
Marital statusSingle
Age at embarkation25
Next of kinFather, G Finlay, Busselton, Western Australia
Enlistment date24 August 1914
Rank on enlistmentDriver
Unit nameField Artillery Brigade 1, Battery 2
AWM Embarkation Roll number13/29/1
Embarkation detailsUnit embarked from Sydney, New South Wales, on board Transport A8 Argyllshire on 18 October 1914
Rank from Nominal RollGunner
Unit from Nominal Roll1st Field Artillery Brigade
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Lieutenant


Unit: 7th Light Horse Regiment

Recommendations (Medals and Awards)

Distinguished Conduct Medal


Recommendation date: 8 June 1915

Unspecified


Recommendation date: "24-30 November 1917"

FateReturned to Australia 29 July 1915
Medals

Distinguished Conduct Medal

'For conspicuous gallantry on 8th June, 1915, south west of Krithia, Gallipoli Peninsula. When a company of infantry had been forced by enfilade fire to vacate a trench, it was reported that one of the wounded had been left in the trench, which was now absolutely commanded by the enemy's fire. Gunner Finlay, with another man, volunteered to bring him in, and succeeded in doing so. It was a most gallant adventure, and showed a fine spirit of self sacrifice.'
Source: M.O. No 4 (1916)

Military Cross

'For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. On the enemy showing signs of wurrendering he jumped out of the trench and walked towards them, thus giving them confidence that they would not be fired on if they surrendered. The successful result of his plucky action was the capture of 148 of the enemy.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 191
Date: 12 December 1918

Family/military connectionsBrother: 400 Lance Corporal David Hume FINLAY MM, 10th Light Horse Regiment, returned to Australia, 10 July 1919.
Other detailsMedals: Military Cross, Distinguished Conduct Medal, 1914-15 Star, British War Medal, Victory Medal

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