Donald William McDonald, known as Don or ‘Boorie’, was a larger-than-life member of the Regiment. Born in Walgett, NSW, Don enlisted in the Australian Army on 4 October 1956 at the age of 17. After recruit training at 1st Recruit Training Battalion (1RTB) Kapooka, he was allocated to Artillery. He competed his initial employment training at the School of Artillery, North Head in Sydney. His first posting and eventual first promotion was with 11th Light Anti-Aircraft Battery in 1957 which was then stationed at Middle Head. The battery was equipped with 40mm Bofors Mk 3 and later upgraded to the 40mm Bristol-Bofors No 12.

By 1959, Don had moved to Holsworthy and was posted with 101st Battery, then equipped with 25 Pounders. 101st Battery had been warned out to replace ‘A’ Field Battery in Malaya and was being brought up to full strength in manning and training. The battery left Australia on 18 September 1959 on route to Malaya. The battery along with elements of the Engineers and 1st Battalion, RAR sailed on MV Flaminia and arrived in Singapore on 2 October 1959 and then onto Butterworth in Malay on 4 October 1959.

Don at this stage was employed as a driver with Delta Troop and was promoted to Bombardier in February 1960. Don and his Delta Troop mates had already participated in Operation Jaya in November 1959 and now were undergoing additional training on the 4.2inch mortars which were vital to the Battery in the mountain areas of Malaya.  In April 1960, Don married Vilmai Phelps and she joined him in Malaya.

Don was a valued member of the 101st Battery Malaya “Kangaroos Basketball Team”. He was among the top scorers in the team, never fancy, no flashness. He just did what it took to get the job done.    In September/October 1960, Don and the members and families of 101 Battery moved to Terendak Camp near Malacca, where the Battery became the third battery of 26th Field Regiment RA, a British unit.

By September 1961, the Battery’s tour of duty in Malaya had come to an end and all personnel returned to Australia. Don stayed with 101st Battey which was reformed as a battery of 4th Field Regiment in Wacol, Brisbane. Don was promoted to Sergeant during 1963 and the Vietnam war was escalating. Don deployed to Vietnam with 105th File Battery on 14 September 1965. He was the Number One of “A” sub with the Battery under command of the Commander Australian Army Force Vietnam (COMAAFV) and in support of 173rd US Airborne Brigade. The Battery deployed to Bien Hoa with their L5 Pack Howitzers and on 2 October 1965 it was Don’s “A” detachment who fired the first round by the Australian Artillery in the Vietnam war.

Don returned to Australia on 25 September 1966 and was posted as an instructor at the School of Artillery, North Head. He remained at the School for two years before a posting and promotion to Warrant Officer Class Two (WO2) with 15th Field Regiment in Melbourne. In 1970, Don was posted as an instructor to the Jungle Training Centre, Canungra in Southeast Queensland. His experience in both Malaya and Vietnam were highly valued at Canungra as all personnel going to Vietnam were required to complete the Jungle Warfare course at Canungra prior to deployment.

Towards the end of 1971, Don was posted back to his second Army Reserve (then CMF) posting with 7th Field Regiment in Sydney. In 1975 Don was promoted to Warrant Officer Class One (WO1) and appointed Regimental Sergeant Major (RSM) of 8th /12th Medium Regiment at Holsworthy. In his final WO1 postings, Don spent time with the Army Recruiting Unit on the North Shore of Sydney and finished his Army career with a posting with Army Head Quarters. Don elected discharge on 14 October 1981 after 25 years’ service.

His Honours and Awards include:

• Australian Active Service Medal with Clasps Thai/Malaya and Vietnam
• General Service Medal Malaya
• Vietnam Medal
• Active Service Medal with Clasp SE Asia.
• Defence Force Service Medal
• National Medal
• Australian Defence Medal
• Pinjat Jasa Malaysia Medal
• Returned from Active Service Medal
• Army Combat Badge
• Emblem of the US Meritorious Commendation
• Emblem of South Vietnam Unit Citation of Cross of Gallantry W/Palm Leafe.

Don was a true stalwart of the 101 Field Battery Malaya 1959 – 1961 Group.    He was one of the major influences and supporters of their reunions; and along with his wonderful wife and partner Vilmae remained so until the Battery get togethers ceased. He was an excellent NCO/Warrant Officer, and his leadership skill was simple; be brief, be straight, be there.    If you got it right or stuffed up, you would know it.   There was never any guessing about Don McDonald.

Vilmae shared these times with Don and no man ever had a finer backstop. Many of the traits he displayed, Vilmae was part of them.    Those of us who knew Vilmae, both appreciate the bond she forged over the years, we pray the memories that remain will sustain her in the difficult days ahead.

Acknowledgements

• 105th Battery RAA, a Concise History by Arthur Burke.
• David Troedel and his detailed history of 101st Battery in Malaya.
• Syd Farrow.