George Findlay's youngest brother, John Heatherwick Findlay (1921-1999), who was always fondly called "Jack", served in the British Army stationed in Burma. He was aged 18-24 during the war. He left for the war by boat, and returned home by airplane. Upon his arrival home, he presented a most-exotic surprise to the family from his travels abroad...bananas! Young Ella had never seen such a treat before.
George Findlay's brother that was just younger than him, Alexander Love Findlay ("Alex") (1906-1960) also served in the British Army. He would have been aged 33-40 years old. Perhaps stationed in England? Grandma isn't sure.
Two of George Findlay's younger sisters (he was the oldest of 11 children) - Elizabeth Love Findlay ("Lizzie") (1917-1991) and Marjorie Love Findlay ("Madge") (1925-1994) - served in the Auxiliary Territorial Service (ATS). This was the women's branch of the British Army during World War II, which women between between the ages of 17 and 43 could join.
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Women were barred from serving in battle, but due to shortages of men, ATS members, as well as members of the other women's voluntary services, took over many support tasks, such as radar and searchlight operators, forming part of the crews of anti-aircraft guns and military police. ATS members also served as clerks, cooks, telephonists and waitresses. (Source)
Both Lizzie and Madge served in England (some ATS members served abroad), and Ella's not sure what role they had - perhaps as telephonists? Lizzie would have been aged 22-28 during the war; Madge as 14-20 (because of the age restriction, she must have joined after age 17, at least halfway through the war).
Source: From a telephone conversation with Ella, recorded 18 May 2014.
