Richard Donaldson was born in Glasgow in 1893 . His father, also a Richard Donaldson, was a patternmaker. Richard attended the University of Glasgow from 1910-1915 , taking classes in Mathematics and Chemistry in his first year, Mathematics (Higher Ordinary), French and Natural Philosophy in his second, Mathematics (Intermediate Honours), Natural Philosophy and English in his third, Mathematics, Natural Philosophy and Physics in his fourth year and Mathematics and Astronomy in his fifth and final year. At some point during his fifth year he interrupted his studies to serve in WW1 and joined the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve (Anson Battalion) as a Lieutenant. He was awarded the Military Cross in December 1917 for distinguished service in the field. Richard was killed in action in France on 05 September 1918 and was buried at Croisilles Railway Cemetery .
From the guide to the Papers of Richard Donaldson, 1893-1918, arts student, University of Glasgow, Scotland, 1912-1915, (Glasgow University Archive Services)
