FINLAYSON [DFM], Alexander Douglass

"One night in May, 1943, this airman was the rear gunner of an aircraft detailed to attack Dortmund. On the return flight, the aircraft was attacked by an enemy fighter. Sergeant Finlayson coolly withheld his fire until the attacker came into close range and then, with a well directed burst, shot the enemy aircraft down. His skill and vigilance have been an inspiring example" London Gazette No. 36041, Dated 1943-06-04. F/Sgt Finlayson was operating with an RAF Wellington Sqd. He was lost while flying with 199 Sqd. RAF on operations over Europe. Reason for Loss Shot down by a night-fighter and crashed at Eind, NE of Weert, Holland.

Last Name
FINLAYSON [DFM]
Given Names
Alexander Douglass
Service Number
408569
Distinguished Flying Medal
YES
Date of Birth
20/01/1914
Birth Location
Melbourne VIC.
Enlistment Date
27/04/1941
Enlistment Location
Melbourne
1Wags Start Date
29/05/1941
Course Details
WAGS Course 14
Intake Date
29/05/1941
Finish Date
08/07/1941
To
2BAGS
Kill Date or Discharge Date
31/08/1943 (Killed)
Discharge Unit
199 SQN
Rank
Warrant Officer
Operations
Flying battle NW Europe
Date of Death
31/08/1943
Age
29
Cemetery / Memorial
Eindhoven [Woensel] General Cemetery Netherlands
Medals
DFM
Notes

"One night in May, 1943, this airman was the rear gunner of an aircraft detailed to attack Dortmund. On the return flight, the aircraft was attacked by an enemy fighter. Sergeant Finlayson coolly withheld his fire until the attacker came into close range and then, with a well directed burst, shot the enemy aircraft down. His skill and vigilance have been an inspiring example" London Gazette No. 36041, Dated 1943-06-04. F/Sgt Finlayson was operating with an RAF Wellington Sqd. He was lost while flying with 199 Sqd. RAF on operations over Europe. Reason for Loss Shot down by a night-fighter and crashed at Eind, NE of Weert, Holland.

Posting on Death
199 Squadron
NAA Status
OPEN
1WAGS - FINLAYSON Alexander Douglas - Service Number 408569 (edited-1)

Acknowledgements

National Archives of AustraliaUBC Web DesignCity of BallaratAPCO AlfredtonDepartment of Veterans+39 AffairsAustralian War MemorialRSL Virtual War Memorial