William Stirling Donald

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Category: 1917-18
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William Stirling Donald

Canadian Expeditionary Force

Canadian Expeditionary Force
He is remembered with honour on the St. Columba’s Church Roll of Honour, Helensburgh and Gareloch Unionist Association Roll of Honour and Helensburgh War Memorial, Column 2 Line 37.

The family home was at 2, Prince Albert Terrace, Helensburgh. The son of Archibald Donald, master blacksmith, (deceased) and Eleanor Jemima Donald (nee Stirling).
Siblings: William came from a large family, Archibald, Margaret, Jean, Christina, Eleanor, Molly, Georgina and Agnes.

William Donald was born in Helensburgh and brought up in the town. After leaving school, he worked his way up to being manager of the Ironmongery Shop in Sinclair Street, Helensburgh. He was a member of the St. Columba Church where he sang in the choir. He was also a keen football player and angler.
Later, having married Jeanie Burns Donald, he emigrated to Canada where he worked as a druggist with the Edmonton Drug Co.. William returned in 1916 with the Canadian Expeditionary Force.
William died at Vimy Ridge leaving his wife and two small children, who were then living at Kilmalcolm.
The Battle of Vimy Ridge was fought in April 1917. Four divisions of the Canadian Corps captured it from the German army. It was the largest territorial advance of any Allied force at that point in the war.