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World War 1 One ww1 wwII greatwar great 1914 1918 first battalion regiment
Pte. George Moir Donald
British Army Machine Gun Corps
from:Dundee, Scotland
George Donald was my grandfather who served in WW1 in the Machine Guns Corps. In 1918 he was badly injured in action, and as a result he was put in an Iron Lung Machine, but he was not expected to live. But with the care of his wife over a long period of time, he survived. He was a jute overseer for most of his working life, he died in 1965.
Pte. Lennard Donald
Australian Imperial Force 7th Sanitary Section Light Horse
from:Narracoorte
Sgt. Robert Emslie Donald
British Army 126th Brigade, HQ Coy. Royal Field Artillery
from:Aberdeen
Pte. William Alexander Donald
British Army 7th Btn. Kings Royal Rifle Corps
from:Leamington Spa, Warwickshire
(d.15th Sep 1916)
William Alexander Donald born 1886, was working as a footman before joining the KRRC in August 1914, he went out to France in May 1915, he was Cpt Morice St Aubyn's Batman.
The following is an extract from a newspaper cutting which his sister kept in between the pages of her diary: "Mr. & Mrs Donald have been informed that their son, Rifleman William Donald, has been posted as wounded and missing after an engagement on the 15th ult. William enlisted at the outbreak of war and went to France the following March. Captain St Aubyn, who was wounded at the same time, writes as follows to Mrs. Donald "I am afraid that there is now no alternative but to presume that your son was killed in action on September the 15th, he was my servant for over a year, he was always cheerful even when things were most uncomfortable, when I was wounded he assisted me back to the nearest trench, which was a few hundred yards distant. We crossed the open ground all right and were within a few yards of the trench when he was hit by a bullet, which went through his back, it must have pierced his lung. Regular medical parties come up as soon as possible after a position has been captured, and had he been alive when they arrived they would have brought him in."
Sister. Donaldson
Queen Alexandras Nursing Service No 32 Stationary Hospital, Wimereux
Sister Donaldson served at No. 32 Stationary Hospital, Wimereux
Pte. Alexander Donaldson
British Army 1st Btn. Royal Scots
(d.10th Mar 1915)
Alexander Donaldson, Private 3638 is buried at Ypres Reservoir Cemetery.
L/Cpl. Alexander Allan Donaldson
British Army 2nd Battalion Queens Own Cameron Highalnders
from:Clydebank
(d.11th May 1915)
Lance Corporal Alexander Donaldson was killed on the 11th May 1915, during the Second Battle of Ypres. He was involved in fighting near the small village of Hooge, his body was never recovered, he left behind a daughter who was less than one year old. He had previously worked in the Singer sewing machine factory in Clydebank.
L/Cpl. Hugh Murray Donaldson
British 2nd Btn. Kings Own Scottish Borderers
from:Edinburgh
(d.4th Oct 1917)
Hugh Murray Donaldson was my great great grandfather. He died when my grandfather was 5 yrs old. I've found his army will online and I am trying to find his grave. I'm guessing he died at Ypres but I don't know for sure.
Editor's note: 18448 L/Cpl Hugh Murray Donaldson served with the 2nd Battalion, Kings Own Scottish Borderers and died on the 4th October 1917. He is buried in Hooge Crater Cemetery, Ypres, Belgium.
Capt. James Donaldson
British Army 9th Bn Black Watch
from:Fife Scotland
(d.23rd Aug 1917)
This photo shows officers of C Company, 9th Battalion Black watch photo with Tommy Byers sitting on the right and Captain James Donaldson sitting in the centre. Captain James Donaldson was killed on the 23rd of August 1917 at the Battle of Arras just north of Rouex France. I have an aerial photo bomb shot of the area taken on the 30th September 1917 at 5:00 PM. This photo has been confirmed by McMaster University..
Sgt. John Donaldson
British Army 12th Btn. Durham Light Infantry
from:Sunderland
(d.8th July 1916)
Sergeant John Donaldson, was my great uncle, who worked in the local railway yards. He enlisted in 1914, and embarked on 25th August 1915 for France. John was killed in action on 8th July 1916 attacking Bailiff Wood, near Contalmasion. Sadly, his body was never recovered and is remembered on Thiepval Memorial.
Pte. John Donaldson
British Army 1st Btn. Queen's Own Cameron Highlanders
from:Edinburgh
(d.5th March 1915)
Pte. Robert Donaldson
British Army 8th Btn. C Coy. Seaforth Highlanders
from:Edinburgh
(d.12th Apr 1917)
Pte. William Bisset Donaldson
British Army 1/4 Battalion The King's Own Scottish Borderers
from:69 Kirkbrae, Galashiels
(d.17th July 1915)
My great uncle, William Donaldson was wounded at Gallipoli on 12/07/1915 and died of his wounds on HMHS Astruias on 17/07/1915. He was buried in Alexandra, Chatsby Cemetry, Egypt. He joined the 4th Bn The King's Own Scottish Borderers, Territoral Force on 17/11/1913.
Sjt. William Donaldson
British Army 2nd Btn. Northumberland Fusiliers
(d.8th May 1915)
Pte. Corn. Donavan
British Army 24th (Tyneside Irish) Battalion Northumberland Fusiliers
from:Cork
Corn Donavan is buried in St. Josephs, Cork
Pte. Fred Doncaster
British Army 10th Btn. Sherwood Foresters
I learned about Fred Doncaster, who served as a Driver in the Transport Unit of his regiment, due to the fact than when I was 12 my father gave to me a pocket New Testament found in a flea-market here in Italy. This was owned by Doncaster, who penned his name and information in the cover, together with quotes from the Gospel, the most touching of which is God is Love, particularly significant given the horrific context.
I lent the booklet to All Saints' Anglican Church in Rome for use during the recent Remembrance Sunday for the 100th Anniversary of the Armistice (the Gospel lesson was read from it and it was kept on the altar). At the moment I don't know yet if he survived the war or perished in battle, all I know is that he was alive for sure till 15th of November 1915.
Percy Harold Doncom
British Army Royal Army Medical Corps
from:Southampton
Pte. Patrick Joseph Donegan
British Army 13th Btn. King's Regiment (Liverpool)
Patrick Donegan, my grandfather, served with the 13th King's Regiment (Liverpool) in France during the First World War and was wounded three times with bullet wounds to his left and right arms and left thigh.
He was born in Drogheda, Ireland in 1878. He married in 1901 in Pendleton, Lancashire and fathered nine children, six of whom survived to old age. Patrick Donegan survived the war and died at the age of 79 in 1957.
Pte. Thomas Donegan
British Army 2nd Btn Royal Welch Fusiliers
from:Clonmel, Co. Tipperary
(d.20th March 1918)
Thomas Donegan enlisted in the 1st Battalion, Connaught Rangers on 5th March 1892. In November 1902 he was tried by court martial and sentenced to 12 months imprisonment for destroying military property. On completion of his sentence he was discharged.
He re-enlisted on 18th of August 1914 in the 8th Battalion, Welsh Regiment and was transferred to the 6th Battalion, Kings Own Yorkshire Light Infantry on 8th of January 1915. He was discharged on 18th of February 1915, being listed as "unlikely to become an efficient soldier", due to chest trouble.
He re-enlisted again on 17th of August 1915 in the 2nd Battalion, Royal Welch Fusiliers. He served in France from 22nd of December 1915 to 5th of March 1916 when he was invalided to England. He served in Egypt from 20th of October 1916 to 17th of January 1918 when he was again invalided to England after attempting to shoot a fellow soldier. He was initially admitted to Netley Hospital on 1st of February 1918 and then to Dykebar War Hospital. Two weeks later he was admitted to Crookston Hospital where he remained until his death. He committed suicide by hanging on 20th of March 1918. Cause of death was returned as death by strangulation.
Private Harry Semmons Donkin
British Army Kings Royal Rifle Corps
from:West Jesmond, Newcastle
(d.17 May 1918 )
My uncle Harry Donkin died in a hospital in Maidstone of his wounds on 17 May 1918. He was 19 years old. I have started to research his war record and know that:
He enlisted in West Jesmond, Newcastle upon Tyne, in the King's Royal Rifle corps with service number 19574. He was transferred to the Royal Scots at some point (I have a photograph of him in this regimental uniform) with the service number 302284. He died of his wounds in a hospital somewhere in Maidstone. Although he is recorded by the commonwealth war graves as being in the 9th battalion of the Royal Scots, he appears in 'Soldiers Died' under the 1st Battalion 'depot' as Harry Doukin (the n being mistaken for a u). On the medal roll index he originally appears as Dorkin but this has been corrected to his proper name of Donkin. The family apparently requested his medal in 1923 and one was issued at that time. I am interested to know where he served, where he was wounded and the nature of his injuries. I understand I will need to find out when he transferred from the Rifles to the Scots. Many thanks for your help.
Pte. Joseph Donley
2nd Btn. Highland Light Infantry
from:Glasgow
(d.15th November 1916)
My grandad - Joseph Donley, served with the Highland Light Infantry, 2nd battalion. It is sad that my father did not have his father in his life, and I also regret not knowing him. His son, my father, was only three years old when grandad was killed in action on the Somme in the Great War on 15th November 1916. His beloved horse was also taken taken for use in the war. His other children Annie Hastings Donley was two years old and a baby, Elizabeth, was just three weeks old when he was killed. I wish I had a photo of my grandad. R.I.P my grandad. I honour you.
Pte. George Albert Donnan
British Army 15th Btn.(1st Edinburgh) Royal Scots
from:80 Lloyd Street, Greenheys, Manchester
(d.1st Jul 1916)
George Albert Donnan enlisted, aged 23, in the 15th Battalion (1st Edinburgh) Royal Scots Regiment, on 28th September 1914. Although this was a Scottish Regiment, this particular Battalion recruited over 500 from the Manchester area and, therefore, were sometimes referred to as the Manchester Scottish.
Bert was killed in action on the 1st day of the Battle of the Somme. He has no known grave but is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial.
Cpl. William Joseph Donnan
British Army 2nd/9th Btn. Manchester Regiment
from:80 Lloyd Street, Greenhey, Manchester
(d.9th Oct 1917)
William Joseph Donnan, aged 19 years, enlisted in the Manchester Regiment on 4th September 1914. In February 1916, he was wounded in the face by an accidental discharge of a rifle when he was in the tranches, cleaning his rifle. There was a full hearing at which he was exonerated and the cause was established as accidental discharge. Following his return to duty from hospitalisation, he was promoted to Corporal and posted to the 2/9th Battalion.
Joe was killed in action at the attack on Poelcappelle which was a part of the third Battle of Ypres. He has no known grave but is commemorated on the Tyne Cot Memorial.
Pte. Edgar George Donne
British Army 16th Btn. Royal Welsh Fusiliers
from:Whitchurch, Glamorgan, Wales
Sgt. James Francis Stuart Donnellan
British Army 10th Battalion Lancashire Fusiliers
(d.3rd Nov 1915)
James Donnellan is buried in new Irish Farm Cemetery.
Pte. William Donnellan
British Army 2/5th Battalion Duke of Wellington West Riding Regiment
from:27 Gelder Terrace, Moldgreen, Huddersfield
(d.3rd May 1917)
William Donnellan was my great uncle and I'm sorry to say I know very little about him. I have discovered most details whilst researching my family tree. William was born 20th October 1896, son of John Donnellan and Ellen, nee Dunstan, at 10, Watergate, Huddersfield, West Yorkshire. His older sibling, John (Jack) Donnellan, who was my granddad, fought in India during WW1. I never heard him speak of his brother but he died when I was quite young.
William married Nellie Owens at St Patrick's Church, Huddersfield on the 3rd April 1915. The marriage certificate states William's address as Union Workhouse, Derby. I've learned that the trainee soldiers were billeted there. I think William joined up in 1914 but am not certain. He was a private in the 2/5th Battalion, Duke of Wellington West Riding Regiment.
William was listed as missing, presumed dead on the 3rd May 1917, aged 19, at the 2nd battle of Bullecourt. His name appears on the Faubourg D'Amiens Memorial in Arras, France. He has no known grave. I have no photographs of William but he's in my heart forever.
Lpcl. F. Donnelly
British Army 24th (Tyneside Irish) Battalion Northumberland Fusiliers
Pte. J. Donnelly
British Army 24th (Tyneside Irish) Battalion Northumberland Fusiliers
Pte. J.E. Donnelly
British Army 24th (Tyneside Irish) Battalion Northumberland Fusiliers
from:Tunstall
J Donnelly was wounded in August 1916
Staff Sgt. James Donnelly DSO, MM, MC.
British Army 20th Btn. Durham Light Infantry
from:Benwell, Newcastle
From a display at the D.L.I. Museum in December 1997 James Donnelly - The "Warrior from Benwell. These are the medals of one of the bravest soldiers ever to have served in the British Army. They were all awarded to James Donnelly from Benwell in Newcastle, who fought with the Durham Light Infantry during the First World War. The medals are (from left to right) Military Cross, Distinguished Conduct Medal and Bar, Military Medal, 1914-15 Star, War Medal, Victory Medal and Belgian Military Decoration. But the Durham Light Infantry Museum knows little or nothing about the man himself and it is hoping that this display will result in new information coming to light about this brave, local soldier, possibly even from a member of Sergeant Donnelly's family. It is known - mostly from local newspapers of the time - that James Donnelly volunteered for the Army in August 1914 and joined Durham Light Infantry as a Private. After training, he was sent to France in May 1915. He fought on the Western Front in 17 battles, firstly with the 10th Battalion Durham Light Infantry and later with the 20th Battalion Durham Light Infantry, ending in 1918 as a Company Sergeant Major.
In September 1916 on the Somme, Sergeant Donnelly led his platoon "with great gallantry and initiative" although severely wounded. For this action, he was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal. In August 1917 at Ypres during the Battle of Passchendaele, Sergeant Donnelly with his platoon built a barricade across a communication trench to delay a German attack. Soon only James Donnelly was left. Armed only with his rifle and bayonet and some hand grenades, he then held off the Germans for seventeen hours. For this action - "a magnificent example" he was awarded the Bar to the Distinguished Conduct Medal. James Donnelly was also awarded the Military Medal in 1916, the Military Cross in 1918 - an award usually given to officers - and the Belgium Military Decoration.
But after James Donnelly left the Army in 1919, he simply disappears from the history books. Nothing is known of his family, his work, or even when he died or where he is buried. It is information like this that the Durham Light Infantry Museum is keen to discover. One story about this "irrepressible warrior from Benwell" - as a Durham Light Infantry History calls him - is, however, known and is worth telling. After he had been badly wounded during the Battle of the Somme in September 1916, James Donnelly was sent home to recover. He soon thought that he was fit enough to return to France but was, instead, posted to the 16th (reserve) Battalion Durham Light Infantry to convalesce. Sergeant Donnelly then decided to "desert" and made his own way back to his Battalion in France. Eventually the 10th Battalion Durham Light Infantry was asked about a "deserter" called Donnelly and large amounts of "missing" kit. As this "deserter" was now the owner of the Distinguished Conduct Medal and Bar and Military Medal, the inquiries were quickly dropped.
Proceedings of the Newcastle Council, 6th March 1919: presentation of medals. The Lord Mayor then called upon the Major-General Sir R. A. Kerr Montgomery to present the Military Medal and the Distinguished Conduct Medal and Bar awarded to Sergeant Major James Donnelly of the Durham Light Infantry. In doing so, the Lord Mayor said: "Almost every day it falls to my lot to present a Military decoration of one class or another to some hero of the Great War but it is seldom that there is for presentation to one soldier a Military Medal and Distinguished Conduct Medal and Bar, as in the case of our gallant friend Sergeant Major Donnelly of the Durham Light Infantry. Sergeant Major Donnelly was one of the first 100,000 patriots who responded to Lord Kitchiners appeal for voluntary service in August 1914. He went to France in May 1915 and has served continuously ever since up to his recent de-mobilisation. He has taken an active part in seventeen big engagements, fifteen offensive and two defensive. He also took part in the first daylight raid at Arras.
As to the winning of decoration No 1. After part of the British trenches of Ypres had to be given up Sergeant Major Donnelly, with a few men, built a barrier across a communication trench and proceeded to hold it against the Huns. One by one the little British Band became casualties until only Donnelly was left with rifle and bayonet and a supply of bombs, he held the position alone for seventeen hours when he was relieved. Later he was wounded, proceeded home and joined a training Battalion; but he was restless at home and fighting was going on in France and under somewhat extraordinary circumstances he returned to the front.
The circumstances under which the second decoration was won was briefly: "Although wounded he led his Platoon with great gallantry and initiative. He lay down on the ground gained all day. When darkness came he rose, collected the wounded and took up a patrol to the objective when he was severely hit." The third decoration was gained on the eve of the armistice when Sergeant Major Donnelly displayed remarkable courage after covering and crossing of the Scheldt. That was on the 9th November last, I cannot better conclude than by reading the communication passed on to Sergeant Major Donnelly by the Major General Commanding 41st Division which is as follows: "I wish to place on record my appreciation of the great gallantry, devotion to duty and fine leadership which you displayed during the operation near Knokke from 21st to 26th October 1918."
Major General Sir R. A. Kerr Montgomery pinned the medals and bar on Sergeant Major Donnelly's breast and congratulated him, shaking him briskly by the hand. Sergeant Major Donnelly thanked the General and the Lord Mayor and expressed his pleasure and pride at having had his decoration presented to him in the presence of such a large audience. James Donnelly's medals have been kindly loaned for six months to the Durham Light Infantry museum by a local member of the Orders and Medals Research Society who wishes to remain anonymous."
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