Donald served during the Second World War as a motorbike dispatch rider with the 90th Middlesex Regiment of the Royal Artillery. In June 1944, aged just 23, he landed on Gold Beach during the Normandy landings and went on to help liberate Nazi-occupied France and other parts of Europe.
He was later injured during the war and carried a piece of shrapnel in his leg for the rest of his life. Incredibly, Donald and his four brothers all survived the war.
After his service, Donald returned to civilian life and settled in Winchmore Hill with his wife Dorothy, where they raised their three children. He went back to work as a butcher and later became managing director of Buckingham & Partners, a company which had shops across London, including in Winchmore Hill, Palmers Green and Edmonton.
In 2014, Donald was awarded the Légion d’honneur, France’s highest order of merit, on the 70th anniversary of D-Day.
In later life, Donald became an important part of local remembrance in Enfield. He visited schools and youth groups to share his story, helping younger generations understand the reality of war, sacrifice and service. He also attended community events, including Armed Forces Day, where many had the privilege of meeting him.
Earlier this year, Donald celebrated his 105th birthday at Elsyng House, where he received hundreds of handmade cards from local schoolchildren. It was a beautiful reminder of how deeply he was respected and loved by the community.
Enfield Town Club also shared their sadness, describing Don as their beloved war veteran and saying he would be sadly missed. Their recent photo of Don with the Mayor of Enfield, Cllr Emma Supple, is such a poignant reminder of the warmth and respect he was shown locally.
There are some people whose lives carry a piece of history with them. Donald was one of those people. His story connected Enfield to one of the most defining moments in modern history, but it was his kindness, humility and quiet strength that so many will remember.
Our thoughts are with Donald’s family, friends, everyone at Elsyng House, the Royal British Legion Enfield Branch, Enfield Town Club and all those who knew and loved him.
Rest in peace, Don.
We will remember you.
You can read more about Donald’s extraordinary life in the Enfield Dispatch tribute.
