NAM.1984-04-30-27

‘Lance-Corpl. D. Finlay, V.C.’, 1915. Cigarette card, No 49 from the 2nd series of ‘The Great War Victoria Cross Heroes’, a set of 25 cigarette cards, issued by Gallaher Limited, Belfast and London, 1915. Portrait of Lance Corporal David Finlay, 2nd Battalion, Black Watch, wearing his Victoria Cross, after a photograph by Central Press. The reverse of the card summarises Finlay’s act of gallantry. It records that, ‘Lance-Corporal David Finlay, V.C. (2nd Batt. Black Watch) won this honour for gallantly leading 12 men of a bombing party to the attack at Rue du Bois, May 9th, 1915. After 10 men had fallen, Finlay ordered the remaining two to return, while he went to assist a wounded comrade, carrying him over 100 yards of fire-swept ground to cover, without the slightest regard of his own safety’. Following his actions at the Battle of Aubers, Finlay was promoted to Sergeant. He was later killed in action in Mesopotamia, on 21 January 1916. Associated with the Battle of Aubers, World War One, Western Front (1914-1918). One of 103 cigarette cards, nd.

Aubers, Battle of, 1915 (World War One, Western Front 1914-1918)