Lindsay, Charles William

C W Lindsay winning the 440 yards (junior) at 

RBAI sports grounds - Larne Times of 21st June 1924

Wing Commander Charles William Lindsay AFC

Lindsay was born in St Patrick's, Mohill on 11th May 1910 to David Lindsay, (of Belfast), Bank Inspector and Alice Catherine Lindsay nee Polson. They had married in Mohill on 29th September 1903 with David giving his address as Whitehead.

In 1901, an unmarried David Lindsay, (Charles' father) was boarding in house 111, Whitehead. His occupation was recorded as Bank Manager.

Belfast Bank House, Whitehead (and branch)

In 1911 Lindsay (0) was living in house 2, Mount Royal, Portrush with his parents and 2 brothers, David (4) and Henry Alfred (2). A nursemaid, Mary Jane Lloyd (22)  was also in the house on census day. David records his occupation as a bank inspector. 

Lindsay was educated at the Model School, Carrickfergus before obtaining a scholarship to the Royal Belfast Academical Institution (Inst) in Belfast (Belfast News-Letter of  27th June 1923).

Lindsay also played rugby and features in many sports reports in local newspapers. See picture above.

Lindsay joined the Belfast Banking Company on 1st February 1928 and is recorded as working in Antrim branch. His father signed the Bankers Guarantee.

Belfast Bank - Bankers Guarantee ledger sheet

 

Belfast Bank, Antrim branch

At that time, his father (David Lindsay) was living in 'Cooleen', Jordanstown and his brother, Henry Alfred Lindsay was working for Northern Bank, Royal Avenue, Belfast.

Around 1939/1940 Lindsay volunteered and enlisted into the RAF.

 
The London Gazette (1941) records a C W Lindsay AFC in the RAF. His Service Number was 70402. Promotions from Flight Lieutenant to Squadron Leader (1941 temp.), Squadron Leader (1942 war subs.) and to Wing Commander (1944 temp.).

 
On 27th March 1942, Lindsay was awarded the Air Force Cross (AFC). The London Gazette recorded him as being in the 'Reserve of Air Force Officers'.

Following his war service, Lindsay resigned from the Bank on 22nd November 1946.

The Belfast Telegraph of 6th October 1948 published this letter from him:

 

In 1949, the London Gazette records that he was granted an extension of service for five years in Class "C" and is granted the rank of Squadron Leader (subs.) with effect from 14th April 1948 (seniority 1st August 1940). He relinquishes the rank of Wing Commander (temp.) 1st November 1947 and is transferred to Class "A" with effect from 11th October 1948.

In 1949 he is reported to be the 'Charter manager of Shorts' (Belfast Telegraph of 24th February 1949).

Charles Lindsay continued on in the RAF until 11th May 1955 when he relinquished his commission and retained the rank of Wing Commander.