Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Pair: Patrol Leader Jack Findlay, Winnipeg Troop, Manitoba, Boy Scout Association

Boy Scouts Association Gallantry Cross, 2nd Class, silver, hallmarks for Birmingham 1928, 2nd issue, ‘For Gallantry’, by Collins, London, reverse impressed, ‘Scout Jack Findlay, age 15, 7th Winnipeg Troop, Manitoba, July 1929’, with silver brooch bar; Boy Scout Long Service Medal, bronze and silver, unnamed, nearly extremely fine (2) £700-800

Jack Findlay, of St. James’s Rectory, Portage Avenue, Winnipeg, Canada was a Scout 2nd Class (later Patrol Leader) in the 7th Winnipeg Troop. Aged 15, he effected the rescue of a Mr Albert Withers who was in danger of drowning. Mr Withers writing of the incident in a letter dated 6 January 1930 stated, ‘One day last summer one of your scouts (Jack Findlay) was spending the day at Winnipeg Beach with me. I was floating on a tube & did not notice that I had drifted so far from shore, suddenly the tube shot from under me & down I went. I cannot swim & should have been drowned had it not been for Jack’s help. He held me up till we got to shallow water. I take pleasure in recommending him for life saving badge. I would have written before but did not know Jack was a scout till lately. Should you need any more information I shall be glad to give same.’

Sold with above copied letter, copied application form for an Boy Scout Association Award of Gallantry, copied letter of congratulation to Findlay from the Assistant Chief Commissioner, a newspaper clipping bearing a photograph of the recipient and three other minor pieces of scout insignia.