David John Donald

 What’s in a name?

Halfaya Sollum War Cemetery, Egypt
credit - CWGC

David John Donald
Casualty Card

Gunner David John Donald, who served with the Royal Horse Artillery, 4 Regiment was killed in action during the Western Desert Campaign.  A campaign that lasted over 2 years.

David was 32 years old and was buried at Halfaya Sollum War Cemetery, Egypt.   

The Commonwealth War Grave Commission has recorded that David was the son of Peter and Mary Donald.

However, there is more to this.

David was born in 1908, and his birth was recorded as David John Dominguez. 

At the time of the 1911 Census, the Dominguez, who changed their name to Donald resided at 16 Llangyfelach Road.

1911 Census

Peter Dominguez, 40, who was born in Spain, was employed as a Seaman.  Mary, who has changed her name to Donald, is 38.

Their children, who all have the Dominguez surname are Corrisian, 9; Maira, 15; Andry, 5 and 3-year-old David.

At the time of the 1921 Census, David is living with his brother at 28 Courtney Street.

1921 Census

Manuel Rodriguez, 36, who was born in Spain, is an Unemployed Seafaring Man, and his wife, May, 29 is a Refreshment Keeper.

Brothers, Andrew, 15, who is an unemployed Tin Plate Worker, and David, 14, who is in part-time education also reside at the property.  Both of whom have the surname, Donald 

Also present is a visitor, 19-year-old Cissie Linares, who undertakes the household duties and household and sub-tenant Rachel Ball, 32 years, who also undertakes household duties., 

David John Donald
Attestation Record

David enlisted with the Royal Artillery in 1926.

In September 1935, David, now Donald marries Nancy Hulme.