James (Jim) Findlay began his military career in 1939 as a piper in the 48th Highlanders Cadet Pipe Band. He went on Active Service in 1942. After training in Canada and England he joined the 1st Battalion 48th Highlanders of Canada (CASF) in Italy in the summer of 1943. He was engaged in many battles.  As a platoon commander in B Company he and was severely wounded in September 1944 during the attack of 5-Sep-44 to break the Gothic Line.. After much convalescing in Italy, England and Toronto, Jim was discharged in May 1945. He received his degree in engineering from the University of Toronto in 1949. He served with a number of militia units ending his career in 1967 as a Captain with the Argyle and Sutherland Highlanders. While a member of the Warriors’ Day Parade Council he was the liaison with Sunnybrook Veterans and arranged their visits to the Parade.  He died in 2000.

Jim’s brother Robert Munro Findlay who also began as a piper in the 48th Cadets and served with 2nd Battalion 48th Highlanders, died while serving with the Royal Winnipeg Rifles. On 8 June 44 he was taken prisoner during fighting near the village of Putot-en-Bessin. Rfn Robert Findlay was among 45  Canadians that  were murdered that day on the grounds of the Château d’Audrieu.