Private Frederick Ernest Finlay (6984160) served in the Corps of Military Police during World War Two. Born on 15th August 1898, he was the son of William Finlay and Annie Jane Finlay (née Faulkner) of Belfast, Co. Antrim.
Frederick had 2 brothers; Walter Herbert Finlay born on 23rd August 1900 and Hector Raymond Finlay born on 28th July 1909. Sister Ethel May Finlay and brother Arnold Rupert Finlay died in infancy. In 1901, the family lived at 57 Imperial Street, Belfast, Co. Antrim. The Irish census of 1911 lists them at 125 Templemore Street, Belfast, Co. Down.
Frederick was the husband of Sarah “Sadie” Finlay (née Waring) of 105 Dee Street, Belfast, Co. Down. The couple had a daughter Florence Gertrude Finlay born around 1930 and a son Frederick “Freddie” Cecil Finlay born on 22nd June 1938.
Before serving with the Corps of Military Police, Finlay had enlisted with the Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers. Discharge from the Military Police came on 9th February 1945. He died the following week on 16th February 1945 aged 44 years old. Place of death was Purdysburn Emergency Hospital, Belfast, Co. Antrim.
Frederick Ernest Finlay’s grave is in Section E5, Grave 344 of Dundonald Cemetery, Dundonald, Co. Down. His funeral took place on 19th February 1945. His headstone bears the inscription:
At the going down of the sun and in the morning, we will remember him.