A Collection of Boy Scouts Association Gallantry Crosses

A Boy Scouts Association Gallantry Cross Second Class pair awarded to Patrol Leader J. Findlay, Winnipeg Troop, Manitoba, Boy Scout Association

Boy Scouts Association Gallantry Cross, 2nd Class, 2nd issue, silver, the reverse impressed, ‘Scout Jack Findlay, age 15, 7th Winnipeg Troop, Manitoba, July 1929’, with integral top riband bar; Boy Scout Long Service Medal, bronze and silver, unnamed, nearly extremely fine (2) £700-£900

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, A Collection of Boy Scouts Association Gallantry Crosses.

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Dix Noonan Webb, December 2004.

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 (letter not included with lot) 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.’