Reynold Donkersley (1894-1918)

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An ongoing project to commemorate and research the lives of those who appear on war memorials and rolls of honour in the local area, who served in the military, or whose deaths were linked to conflict.
Reynold Donkersley

Huddersfield's Roll of Honour: 1914-1922

The following extract is from Huddersfield's Roll of Honour: 1914-1922 (2014) by J. Margaret Stansfield:

DONKERSLEY, REYNOLD, MC. 2nd Lieutenant. 2/5th Battalion West Yorkshire Regiment. Formerly Boy Bugler and Drummer, 1/5th Battalion Duke of Wellington's Regiment. Born 39 Bradford Road, Huddersfield, 1.9.1894. Second son of John W. and Mary Louise Donkersley, 144 Northgate, Almondbury. Educated Almondbury Council School. Employed as a tailor by Mr Ephraim Dyson of Northgate, Huddersfield. Enlisted, 31.9.1914, as a Private and attained the rank of Sergeant during 1915. He was gazetted Second Lieutenant in November, 1917, and posted to the West Yorkshire Regiment. Was wounded, 20.5.1918, in the right arm and for his gallantry on this occasion was awarded the Military Cross. Killed in action near Rheims, 20.7.1918, aged 23. Buried MARFAUX BRITISH CEMETERY. Grave location:- Plot 1, Row F, Grave 11.
The official citation in the London Gazette of 16.9.1918 reads, 'for conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty in command of a fighting patrol sent out to obtain an identification. Two hostile sentries were found to be on the alert. He disposed of one of them himself but the other escaped. A large enemy party then rushed forward to reinforce the post and hand to hand fighting ensued in which he was wounded. He held to his ground and persisted in his endeavour to obtain an identification until forced by superior numbers to retire which he succeeded in doing after having inflicted heavy casualties on the enemy. By his fine tenacity of purpose and cool leadership he set a fine example to his men.'
ROH:- Almondbury War Memorial; memorial in Almondbury Cemetery.

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