Colin Donald facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Colin Donald
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|---|---|
| Born | 18 September 1854 |
| Died | 31 October 1939 |
| Allegiance |  United Kingdom |
| Service/ |
 British Army |
| Rank | Major-General |
| Commands held | 2nd Battalion Royal Fusiliers Hounslow Regimental District Home Counties Division Wessex Division Western Reserve Centre |
| Battles/wars | Second Anglo-Afghan War Second Boer War First World War |
| Awards | Companion of the Order of the Bath Commander of the Order of the British Empire |
Colin George Donald (born September 18, 1854 – died October 31, 1939) was an important officer in the British Army. He rose to the rank of Major-General and later became the colonel of a famous group called the Royal Fusiliers. He was recognized for his service with awards like the CB and CBE.
Early Military Life
Colin Donald studied at Cheltenham College. He joined the Royal Fusiliers (City of London Regiment) as a lieutenant on September 21, 1874. He quickly moved up the ranks. He became a captain in 1883 and a major in 1890.
Serving in Wars
Donald took part in the Second Anglo-Afghan War. This was a conflict in Afghanistan. Later, in 1898, he became the commanding officer of the 2nd Battalion of the Royal Fusiliers. He was promoted to lieutenant-colonel at this time.
His battalion played a role in the Second Boer War in South Africa. They were involved in important events like the Battle of Colenso in December 1899. They also helped with the relief of Ladysmith in February 1900. After the war, he was promoted to colonel in 1902. He then returned to the United Kingdom.
Awards and Later Commands
For his bravery and service in the Boer War, Colin Donald received the Companion of the Order of the Bath (CB). King Edward VII personally gave him this award in 1902.
After returning home, he continued to lead. He became the General Officer Commanding the Hounslow Regimental District in 1902. He then commanded the Home Counties Division in 1908. In 1911, he led the Wessex Division.
When the First World War began, Donald served as the Inspector of Territorials in India starting in 1914. He later became the General Officer Commanding Western Reserve Centre in 1915. He also held the special position of colonel of the Royal Fusiliers.
