Rifleman S/32422, 2nd Battalion, Rifle Brigade. Died 31/03/1918. Age 19.

 

Eldest of three sons of William Rainbird and Eliza nee Kemp of Thicknesse Cottage, Golf Road, Felixstowe. Donald’s father was a coachman according to the 1911 census and the family lived for a time in Tuddenham. He was also a member of the St Peter and St Paul church choir,at a young age. 

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Donald was reported missing between the 23rd & 31st March 1918 during the First Battles of the Somme 1918. He was initially presumed dead but following inquiry it was later confirmed that he had been killed in action on March 31, 1918 at the age of 19; he has no known grave. He is commemorated on the Pozieres Memorial, Felixstowe Seafront Memorial and the St Peter and St Paul WW1 Memorial.