More about James Donald

James Donald was born in Dundee in 1880 and joined the Royal Navy in 1899. He went through initial training onboard HMS Caledonia, a three masted Training Ship moored off Queensferry. He served in many warships of the Royal Navy including HM Ships Blenheim, Barfleur, Sappho, Triumph, London and Formidable. Whilst in the Triumph he deserted his ship at Portland Dorset but was arrested after 14 months and sentenced to 42 days cells at the Naval Barracks at Chatham. He left the Royal Navy in 1910 as a Leading Seaman. It is likely that he trained as a Motor Mechanic after leaving the Navy. Although not in the Royal Fleet Reserve he volunteered in August 1914 and joined the Royal Naval Air Service. During the war he served in the Middle East and was rated up to Petty Officer Motor Mechanic in 1916. He was married to Mrs Annie Donald, 6 South Street, James Street, Edinburgh and died at home from illness probably whilst on leave from Mudros. James Donald is buried in the Piershill Cemetery in Edinburgh.