About this user
Finucane joined the Royal Air Force in May 1938. After flying training and conversion to the Supermarine Spitfire he was posted as a Pilot Officer to 65 Squadron at RAF Hornchurch in 1940. Finucane claimed his first victory in the Battle of Britain on 12 August 1940, a Bf 109. No. 65 Squadron was rested at the end of August 1940 and did not return to 11 Group until November. Flying from RAF Tangmere, by year's end, Finucane had claimed four Bf 109s and a Bf 110.
A year later in April 1941, Finucane was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross and posted as a Flight commander to the newly formed Australian 452 Squadron at RAF Kirton-in-Lindsey, the first RAAF squadron to serve in Fighter Command.[1] Making their debut on operations in July 1941, "Paddy" added 17 fighter claims to his score by his 21st birthday in October 1941, also being awarded a Distinguished Service Order.
In January 1942, Finucane was given command of No. 602 Squadron RAF at RAF Redhill. On 20 February 1942 Finucane was slightly wounded in the leg during a strafing mission with his new command. Four Focke Wulf Fw 190s fell to his guns in March 1942. Finucane's fame spread beyond RAF ranks and "model airplanes of his Spitfire with the vivid green Shamrocks were sold all along Piccadilly Circus and The Strand."[2]
Finucane became the youngest Wing Commander in the RAF on 27 June 1942, leading the Hornchurch Wing.
Age
110
Hometown
Valhalla, Isles of the Blessed, Nova Scotia
Country
Canada
Occupation
Educator
Companies
Nationalist Inc.
Schools
Christianity and Paganism
Interests
14/88
