Haddon Donald facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Haddon Donald DSO, MC, ED
Member of the New Zealand Parliament for Wairarapa
In office 1963–1969
Preceded by	Bert Cooksley
Succeeded by	Jack Williams
Personal details
Born	Haddon Vivian Donald (1917-03-20)20 March 1917 Masterton, New Zealand
Died	23 April 2018(2018-04-23) (aged 101) Masterton, New Zealand
Political party	National
Spouse	Ana Alice Beetham ​ ​ (m. 1947; died 2014)​
Relations	Charlie Mills (great-grandfather)
Children	4
Military service
Allegiance	New Zealand
Branch/service	New Zealand Army
Rank	Lieutenant colonel
Commands	22nd Battalion
Battles/wars	Second World War North African Campaign Battle of Crete Italian Campaign
Awards	Distinguished Service Order Military Cross Mentioned in Despatches Efficiency Decoration Officer of the Legion of Merit (United States)

Haddon Vivian Donald (born March 20, 1917 – died April 23, 2018) was an important New Zealander. He was a brave soldier, a smart businessman, and a politician. Donald was part of the National Party. He was the oldest living former Member of Parliament in New Zealand. At the time of his death, he was the highest-ranking New Zealand army officer from World War II still alive. During the war, Donald was an officer for the 22nd Battalion. He rose to the rank of lieutenant colonel. After his time in the army, Donald represented the Wairarapa area in parliament from 1963 to 1969.

Haddon Donald's Early Life and Education

Donald was born in 1917 in Masterton, New Zealand. His parents were Vivian Everard Donald and Gertrude Blanche Donald. He went to Nelson College from 1930 to 1932. After that, he studied at Wairarapa College.

Haddon Donald's Military Service in World War II

Donald joined the New Zealand Expeditionary Force in 1939. This was the main group of New Zealand soldiers who fought overseas. During the Second World War, he was an officer. He served in the 22nd Battalion. He became a lieutenant colonel, which is a high rank.

Key Battles and Awards

Donald was involved in important battles. He described events at the Maleme airfield during the Battle of Crete. This battle was a tough fight.

He received several awards for his bravery. In 1942, he was given the Military Cross. In 1945, he received the Distinguished Service Order. The United States also honored him in 1947. They made him an Officer of the Legion of Merit. He was also mentioned in official reports twice, in 1941 and 1942.

Donald later wrote a book about his experiences. It was called In Peace and War: A Civilian Soldier's Story. It was published in 2005. The book shares his stories from fighting in Greece, Crete, and Egypt.

Haddon Donald's Political Career and Business Life

After the war, Haddon Donald became a manufacturer in the Wairarapa region. He worked for his family's company, Donald Presses Ltd, for 50 years. He was the chairman of the company from 1970 to 1986.

Serving as a Member of Parliament

Donald decided to enter politics. He represented the Wairarapa area in parliament. He was elected in the 1963 New Zealand general election. He took over from Bert Cooksley, who had retired.

Donald served as a Member of Parliament until the 1969 New Zealand general election. In that election, he lost to Jack Williams from the Labour Party. He lost by a small number of votes.

Other Activities and Later Years

Outside of politics and business, Donald was also a keen rifle shooter. He was the captain of the New Zealand rifle team five times.

In April 2013, when he was 96 years old, Donald visited the parliament. He met with the Defence Minister and the Speaker of the House. He lived in Taupō later in his life.

Haddon Donald's Family Life

Haddon Donald married Ana Beetham in 1947. They were married until she passed away in May 2014 at age 90. She was buried in Masterton. Haddon and Ana had four children together. They also had 14 grandchildren.

Donald turned 100 years old in March 2017. He received a special telegram from Queen Elizabeth II to celebrate his 100th birthday. He died on April 23, 2018, in Masterton, at the age of 101.

Haddon Donald's Honours and Awards

Haddon Donald received many honors for his service. These included:

• The Distinguished Service Order
• The Military Cross
• The Efficiency Decoration
• Being made an Officer of the Legion of Merit (from the United States)

In 1990, he was also given the New Zealand 1990 Commemoration Medal.