Lance Corporal John Donaldson, No 2 Commando kia 28 Mar'42 St Nazaire.
Lance Corporal John Donaldson, 3 troop, was reported missing 28 March 1942 after Operation Chariot at St Nazaire, later presumed died of wounds. He has no known grave.
John Donaldson embarked for the raid on HMS Campbeltown and was part of the Assault Party commanded by Lieutenant John Roderick who later described him in the following words "Corporal Donaldson was a big loss to us. He was quite one of the nicest members of the troop. A quiet, soft spoken Scotsman with a charming smile and a most proficient soldier".
Extract from the Dundee Evening Telegraph 20 May 1943
"Official notice has been received by his wife that LCpl. John Donaldson, Commando, fourth son of Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Donaldson, 21 King's Road, Coupar Angus, who was previously reported missing, has died of wounds on active service. LCpl. Donaldson was 26 and joined the Forces early in 1940. He was previously employed by Robert Lyburn, potato merchant, Coupar, Angus. He was a prominent football player having played for Coupar Angus United, Dunning heather and Aberuthven FC. He leaves a widow and one child."
In Memory of 2884838 Lance Corporal John Donaldson
London Scottish, The Gordon Highlanders and No 2 Commando 3 troop
who died on the 28th March 1942 at St Nazaire
Remembered with honour at the Brookwood Memorial.
Son of William Donaldson and of Jessie Donaldson (nee Hunter); husband of Anne Donaldson (nee Smith), of Dundee.
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Date: 05/02/2018
Size: 2 items
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