Charles Donald Donaldson, Petty Officer (P/J 100764) was born in Portsmouth on October 17th 1905. He was the second son of John Donaldson, an iron caulker in the shipbuilding industry, and his wife Ellen Donaldson, née Rowe.
Charles Donaldson began his training in Devonport in 1921 and rose to the rank of Petty Officer in 1939. He was awarded the Long Service and Good Conduct Medal in 1938. He served in HMS Dunedin from March 27th 1941 until his death. He was married to Daisy Ivy Donaldson, née Clark.