3478 Private David Donald
1st/7th Battalion Gordon Highlanders
13th November 1916
Until the day dawns and the shadows flee away
Born at 9am on 13/01/1883 at Bridgend Cottages, Glenmuick, Aberdeenshire. His parents were John Donald (1843-28/04/1915) and Jane Mitchell (1848-14/12/1927). They were marred on 17/06/1871.
David had 5 brothers, John (09/01/1872-05/08/1945), William (born on 23/09/1873), Alexander (born on 30/10/1878),
Robert (born on 11/05/1881) and Charles (born on 01/08/1893). He also had 2 sisters, Margaret (born on 26/08/1875) and Annie (born on 14/01/1885).
In the 1891(Scottish) census, the family were recorded as living at Bridgend Cottages, Glenmuick, Aberdeenshire. John snr was employed as a mason.
The 1901(Scottish) census, shows the family still living in the same location and Davis snr being a journeyman mason.
It also show David is following in his fathers footsteps and is an apprentice mason.
On 12/07/1911 at Loirston House, Ballater, David married Jane Ann Smith (30/05/1884-1968) and they went on to have a
son Ian Smith (10/04/1914-1972). At the time of the wedding David was living at Bridge of Muick and both himself and his father were journeyman masons( his father at this time was suffering with heart disease, that along with an enlarged prostate would go on to end his life on 28/04/1915).
David enlisted in Banchory, Kincardineshire and was killed in action on 13/11/1911.
Aberdeen Weekly Journal – Friday 01 December 1916
District Casualties
Crathie
Pte. David Donald, Gordons who resided at Connachat Cottage, Balmoral (he is survived by a widow and child).
He was awarded the British War 1914-1918 and Allied Victory medals.
His widow was awarded a pension of 18/9d a week from 04/06/1917 on 01/06/1917. This was increased to 27/3d a week
from 11/06/1918.
Over the years David's memory was kept alive by his wife and son
Aberdeen Press and Journal – Saturday November 13, 1926
In Memoriam
Donald – In loving memory of my dear husband, Private David Donald, killed in action at Beaumont Hamel,
France ,13th November 1916, aged 34 years.
Memories drift to scenes long past,
Time rolls on, but memories last.
Too far away your grave to see,
But not too far to remember thee.
Inserted by his widow and son, Knocks Cottage, Glenmuick, by Ballater.
Aberdeen Press and Journal – Tuesday 13 November 1928
In Memoriam
Donald – In loving memory of my dear husband, Private David Donald, killed in action at Beaumont Hamel,
France 13th November 1916, aged 34 years.
As we loved him, so we miss him.
In our memory he is dear.
Inserted by his widow and son, Moorfield, Ballater.
Aberdeen Press and Journal – Wednesday 13 November 1935
In Memoriam
Donald – In loving memory of my dear husband, Private David Donald, Gordon Highlanders, killed in action
13th November 1916, aged 34 years.
No space of time or lapse of years
Can dim our loved one’s past
A loving memory holds it dear
Affection binds it fast.
Inserted by his widow and son , Craiguise, Braemar Road, Ballater.
Brother Robert had enlisted in 2nd Dragoons (Regimental Number 4544) in Aberdeen on 30/12/1898.
Reported in War Office report 24/01/1899 Deserters and Absentees from Her Majesty’s Service.
Described as being18 ½ years of age, Height 5 feet 7 1/2 inches, Complexion – Fresh, Hair- Brown, Eyes – Grey, Trade – Labourer. Marks -small round scar on left knee. Reported deserted or absent on 03/01 in Edinburgh.