The Queens Own Royal West Kent R

The Queens Own Royal West Kent Regiment

Pte W Donald

Private William DONALD, 7609, Queens Own Royal West Kent Regiment.

Born Plumstead, Woolwich, Kent, enlisted 17th March 1904, Maidstone, Kent, age 18, height 5ft 5 inches, weight 112lbs (after 6 months service & gymnastic course, height 5ft 7 inches, weight 125lbs), resided 5 Ordnance Road, Woolwich / 37 Station Road, Woolwich, SE18. Formerly carman.

Son of George & Alice Donald, 41 Westdale Road, Plumstead, Kent.

Husband of Nellie Martha Donald (nee ?????), married 24th April 1909, St Peters Church, Woolwich.

Previously served in Royal West Kent Militia.

Home, 17th March 1904 to 9th February 1906; Malta, 10th February 1906 to 27th December 1906; Home, 28th December 1906 to 13th August 1914; BEF, 14th August 1914 to 11th June 1915; Home, 12th June 1915 to 9th December 1915.

17th March 1904, enlisted and posted Depot, Royal West Kent Regiment; 7th July 1904, posted Provisional Battalion, Royal West Kent Regiment; 13th April 1905, appointed unpaid Lance Corporal; 23rd June 1905, in Guard Room awaiting Trial; 28th June 1905, tried by Court Martial & sentenced to 7 days with hard labour for conduct to the prejudice of good order & military discipline, Private in Prison; 4th July 1905, to Duty; 10th February 1906, posted 1st Battalion, Royal West Kent Regiment; 16th March 1907, transferred to Army Reserve; 5th August 1914, mobilized; 6th August 1914, posted 1st Battalion, Royal West Kent Regiment; 18th September 1914, wounded; 27th February 1915, posted Depot, Royal West Kent Regiment; 12th June 1915 to 27th August 1915, Beauford War Hospital, Bristol, acute nephritis.

19th August 1915, Medical Board - Disability, nephritis albuminuria, originated about September 1914 at St Majaie. While in hospital it was found that he had dropsy. After the battle of Aisne, he was continually wet and unable to change his clothing. From there he was sent to Havre & marked PB where he was employed in transport. He entered Hospital No.6. with dropsy, he had been ill six weeks before reporting sick. He was transferred to Bristol on 12th June 1915. Since admission he has been under for albuminuria with dropsy. Urine at first contained half albumin. Baths and restricted diet reduced to about one eighth. The urine contains granular casts, few blood cells and a notice of bascilus. It does not seem like that the albumin will decrease. Cause active service & exposure, permanent, prevents 50%.

9th December 1915, discharged as "no longer physically fit for War Service" due to sickness. Silver War Badge issued

Pension 12/- a week for 12 months conditional. Expires 9th December 1916.

11th December 1915, Medical Report - urine contains albumin, red & white blood cells & nyaline & epitheial casts. States his feet and face swells in the morning. Also complains of pains in back. Permanent and likely to get worse. Prevents 50%. Is employed on night work at Arsenal Woolwich. Present wages not known. Has only just started on piece work.

28th December 1915, report from Superintendent Taylor, Paper & Leather Factory, Royal Arsenal Woolwich, mans earnings for last 4 weeks have been as follows; £4.11.7; £3.7.9.5; £3.7.3.; £4.5.5.5.

20th October 1916, Medical Board Report - prevents 25%, 7/- a week for 12 months, expires 9th December 1917.

18th October 1917, Medical Board Report - prevents 20%, original award of 12/- a week is not understood, current award increased to 8/3 a week from 4th April 1917 to 9th December 1917, then 5/6 a week for 43 weeks; expires 8th October 1918.

23rd August 1918, Medical Board Report - prevents Nil. Gratuity of £24.10.

This page was last updated on 20-Apr-2013.