Colonel John Findlay

In remembrance of Colonel John Findlay, C. B., D.S.O., T.D. 1869-1946

Colonel John Findlay was born in 1869 and throughout his 77 years, served his country and his fellowmen. In civilian life, he was a farmer and breeder of sheep and cattle, at first on the Taieri Plains in Otago and later in Mid-Canterbury where be finally settled at 'Akanui', Eiffelton, near Ashburton. 

His farming career was broken by Military Service in two wars. On the outbreak of the South African War in 1899, be enlisted and sailed with the 2nd N.Z. Contingent, and on the return to New Zealand of that Contingent, be was selected to remain in South Africa in command of the 6th N.Z. Contingent, being promoted to the rank of Major. 

On the outbreak of the First World War in 1914 be was selected to command the Canterbury Mounted Rifles Regiment in the 1st N.Z. Expeditionary Force, which regiment be commanded until it was demobilized in 1919.

For his service in that war be was promoted to the rank of Colonel and awarded the C.B. and the D.S.O.

The Canterbury Mounted Rifles Regiment was composed of one squadron from each of the three Territorial Regiments of that time, namely, the 1st M.R. (C.Y.C.), the 8th M. R. (South Canterbury), the 10th M.R. (Nelson and Marlborough), and since demobilization an annual reunion and social has been held in Christchurch by members during the moth of August. 

The members of the Regiment, now scattered throughout New Zealand, contributed towards a fund to establish the Colonel John Findlay Memorial Scholarship in memory of one whose character made him respected as a leader and a friend, and of whom it has been said: 'be bad every claim to be called great but would be the last to expect such tribute. His firm faith, resolute courage and strong sense of justice made him an inspiration to all who knew him.

The privilege of leadership involves responsibility and service to those who are led and to mankind generally.

The founders of the Scholarship hope that in perpetuating the memory of their beloved Colonel, the recipient of the Scholarship will be inspired by the same manly qualities of truth and justice, pride in work and achievement, and retain those qualities in a life of service to his fellowman wherever be may find his life's work.