DONALDSON, JAMES, Captain, was born in
London, 28 February 1863. He served in South Africa with the Imperial Light
Horse from 1899 to 1902; present in operations in Natal, 1899, including
actions at Elandslaagte, Reitfontein and Lombard's Kop; defence of Ladysmith,
including sortie of 7 December 1899, and action of 6 January 1900; Relief of
Mafeking; operations in the Transvaal, east and west of Pretoria, July to
November 1900; operations in the Transvaal and Orange River Colony, November
1900, to May 1901. He was severely wounded; was mentioned in Despatches
twice; received the Queen's Medal with five clasps, and the King's Medal with
two clasps, and was created a Companion of the Distinguished Service Order
[London Gazette, 31 October 1902]; "J Donaldson, Captain, 1st Imperial Light
Horse. In recognition of services during the operations in South Africa". He
joined the Reserve of Officers, Imperial Light Horse, 12 December 1902, and
was promoted Lieutenant Colonel 1 July 1907. He served in the European War,
first in the South-West African campaign, and later commanding the 19th Royal
Scots, British Expeditionary Force, France. Lieutenant Colonel Donaldson
married, in 1903, Miss A E Newton, of New Zealand; they had one son.
