Donald was born in 1881 to Sergeant and Mrs Hugh Mackenzie in Ilkeston, Derbyshire. Prior to joining the regiment, he had owned his own business as a watchmaker and jeweller, located on Station Road, Ilkeston.  He served with the 5th Battalion as a Sergeant and was awarded the Territorial Forces Efficiency Medal (TFEM) in April 1910.  

He continued to serve with the Regiment and left for France on the 1st of March 1915 with the 5th. Later in the year he would become Company Sergeant Major (CSM) with “A” Company, 5th Battalion. It is noted in the London Gazette, dated 1st of November 1917, that he was Mentioned in Despatches whilst serving as Regimental Quartermaster Sergeant.   

Sadly, he was killed in action on the 30th of September 1918 during the attack on St. Quentin and the Hindenburg Line. It is noted that he had been taking rations to the front line and whilst returning had taken a wrong turn and walked into a German post. 

Donald is buried at Bellicourt British Cemetery, France.