Innes, Donald Martin Matthieson

Regimental Number: 100540
Rank: Sapper
Branch: 66th Battalion; 31st Battalion

Donald was born in Glasgow, Scotland on October 6, 1890. As a twenty year old, he immigrated to Australia to get involved with raising sheep. Three years later, letters from his brothers Bill and Alexander persuaded him to try farming in the Peace country. Donald arrived in February of 1914 and filed on NE 21-78-6-W6. In July of 1915, he enlisted in the Canadian army. In September of 1916 at the Somme, Donald received a gunshot wound to his right foot. He spent six and a half months in hospitals and convalescent homes. After returning to the front, the wound reopened and Donald was put on light duty. After discharge, he was appointed Soldier Settlement Board inspector, a position which took him all over the Peace region. In 1923, Donald married Mary MacDonald MacDiarmid, a war widow. Two years later they moved into Grande Prairie. In 1928, Donald gave up his post as SSB inspector and went into business for himself – he moved to Sexsmith and opened a garage. Donald died on April 7, 1981 and was buried in the Burnaby Heritage Cemetery in Burnaby, British Columbia.

Sources: Chepi Sepe p. 521; Pioneers of the Peace p. 178; Buffalo Trails p. 261; Wagon Trails Grown Over p. 612-613, 1147

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