An auction ‘lot’ of artefacts containing trophies, awards and medals from Don Finlay’s life and times as an Olympian and Spitfire fighter pilot, has been purchased at auction by Min Larkin, Halton Archivist.
Image by: RAF Halton Photographic Section
Don Finlay, after who the Finlay Gym at RAF Halton is named, was a Spitfire Pilot and Olympian. His sporting successes were many in the Olympics in the 1930’s and 1940’s.
During the Battle of Britain, Finlay was in Fighter Command flying Spitfires, bringing down three enemy aircraft. He continued flying during his promotions and as acting Wing Commander, shot down a Messerschmitt in a head on attack in March 1942.
Image by: RAF Halton Photographic Section
His long career as a pilot in the RAF saw him win the Distinguished Flying Cross, and he remained on active service throughout the war, finally serving at RAF Halton, in Buckinghamshire until his retirement in 1959.
