Finlay McQuistan
Encyclopedia
Captain Finlay McQuistan (born 4 October 1896, date of death unknown) was a World War I flying ace
who was credited with 11 aerial victories.
to the Royal Flying Corps
as a Second Lieutenant and Flying Officer
. He was assigned to 12 Squadron to fly a Royal Aircraft Factory B.E.2 two-seater reconnaissance machine. A wounding in September ended this posting.
His next assignment, in March 1917, was to 55 Squadron. On 9 June 1917, he used a two-seated Airco DH.4 to score his first victory, being wounded again in the process. On 27 June 1917, he was promoted to Lieutenant. On 25 August 1917, he was appointed Flight Commander with a promotion in rank to Temporary Captain.
On 1 March 1918, he reverted from the post of Flight Commander and rank of Temporary Captain, with his seniority set back to 26 June 1916. This was probably as a result of switching to 19 Squadron, where he could fly a new Sopwith Dolphin single-seat fighter. On 27 March 1918, he scored his second victory. By 5 October, he had added nine more, only one of which was a shared win, with Gordon Budd Irving
, John De Pencier, and Cecil Gardner
. McQuistan's final tally was two German fighters set afire, another German plane destroyed, and eight sent down out of control.
On 20 March 1922, he was removed from the Royal Air Force.
Lt. (A./Capt.) Finlay McQuistan. (FRANCE)
By his example of determination and courage Capt. McQuistan has inspired the greatest confidence in the other pilots of his squadron. He has led over 30 squadron offensive patrols, and the success attained by his squadron during the past three months is largely due to his skilful leadership. This officer has destroyed or driven down out of control nine enemy machines.
Flying ace
A flying ace or fighter ace is a military aviator credited with shooting down several enemy aircraft during aerial combat. The actual number of aerial victories required to officially qualify as an "ace" has varied, but is usually considered to be five or more...
who was credited with 11 aerial victories.
Early life
Finlay McQuistan is the son of Finlay and Agnes J. McQuistan, born on 4 October 1896 in Greenock West, Scotland.World War I service
On 26 June 1916, he was seconded from artillery duty with the Highland BrigadeHighland Brigade (Scottish)
The Highland Brigade is a historical unit of the British Army, which has been formed a number of times. It recruited men from the Highlands of Scotland.-Crimean War:...
to the Royal Flying Corps
Royal Flying Corps
The Royal Flying Corps was the over-land air arm of the British military during most of the First World War. During the early part of the war, the RFC's responsibilities were centred on support of the British Army, via artillery co-operation and photographic reconnaissance...
as a Second Lieutenant and Flying Officer
Flying Officer
Flying officer is a junior commissioned rank in the Royal Air Force and the air forces of many countries which have historical British influence...
. He was assigned to 12 Squadron to fly a Royal Aircraft Factory B.E.2 two-seater reconnaissance machine. A wounding in September ended this posting.
His next assignment, in March 1917, was to 55 Squadron. On 9 June 1917, he used a two-seated Airco DH.4 to score his first victory, being wounded again in the process. On 27 June 1917, he was promoted to Lieutenant. On 25 August 1917, he was appointed Flight Commander with a promotion in rank to Temporary Captain.
On 1 March 1918, he reverted from the post of Flight Commander and rank of Temporary Captain, with his seniority set back to 26 June 1916. This was probably as a result of switching to 19 Squadron, where he could fly a new Sopwith Dolphin single-seat fighter. On 27 March 1918, he scored his second victory. By 5 October, he had added nine more, only one of which was a shared win, with Gordon Budd Irving
Gordon Budd Irving
Captain Gordon Budd Irving was a World War I flying ace credited with twelve aerial victories.-Early life:Gordon Budd Irving was the sole son of attorney William Henry Irving and Mary Maude Smith Irving. His childhood home was at 76 Spadina Street, Toronto; he attended church nearby at Trinity...
, John De Pencier, and Cecil Gardner
Cecil Gardner
Captain Cecil Vernon Gardner was a World War I flying ace credited with ten aerial victories.Cecil was born in or near Banbury c1888, the son of James and Hannah Elizabeth Gardner, who raised him at Grovehill Farm in the parish of Tingewick, near Buckingham. He enlisted in the British Army in...
. McQuistan's final tally was two German fighters set afire, another German plane destroyed, and eight sent down out of control.
Postwar
On 24 October 1919, he was granted a short service commission as a Flying Officer.On 20 March 1922, he was removed from the Royal Air Force.
Honours and awards
Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC)Lt. (A./Capt.) Finlay McQuistan. (FRANCE)
By his example of determination and courage Capt. McQuistan has inspired the greatest confidence in the other pilots of his squadron. He has led over 30 squadron offensive patrols, and the success attained by his squadron during the past three months is largely due to his skilful leadership. This officer has destroyed or driven down out of control nine enemy machines.