Public Service

Born in 1970, and brought up in Helensburgh, Phil has always had a taste for adventure. He won a scholarship to Glenalmond College, Perthshire and was a talented gymnast and musician. His parents contemplated sending him to ballet school. Instead he discovered rock climbing and was quickly mastering some of Scotland’s hardest extreme rock climbs, before finding another physical career as a Royal Marine Commando.

Michael was born in Debden, Essex on the 5th November 1935

He was educated at Bryntirion School, Worksop College, Bede, Gosforth and Harvey Grammar Schools.

After graduation (BA, Durham) and military service, Michael spent six years in the steel industry selling flat-rolled products, followed by four years in Further Education as a Lecturer in Marketing.

“When the 1st Argyll & Sutherland Highlanders go into action in Korea my thoughts will be with one man – the Regimental Sergeant Major Paddy Boyde. There isn’t another bloke in the Army I’d rather soldier with. In the kilt he’s the very picture of the Highland soldier – even though he’s Irish. Maybe it’s the combination of an Irish birth and seventeen years of Scots training that made him an enemy to be feared and a friend to be proud of” so wrote An Old Argyll as RSM Boyde prepared to go into action in Korea.

Rachel McInness was born in Cardross on the 20th September 1915, to Donald and Margaret McInness, and educated at Cardross Primary and Hermitage School, Rachel went on to travel the world — and to change it.

George de Cardonnel Elmsall Findlay VC MC & Bar was born on the 20th August 1889 at Boturich, Balloch.

Findlay was commissioned into the Royal Engineers in January 1910. He was awarded a Military Cross for gallantry at the Battle of Passchendale after which he took command of 409 (Lowland) Field Company, a territorial company in June 1917.