Haddon Donald | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Member of theNew Zealand Parliament forWairarapa | |
| In office 1963–1969 | |
| Preceded by | Bert Cooksley |
| Succeeded by | Jack Williams |
| Personal details | |
| Born | Haddon Vivian Donald (1917-03-20)20 March 1917 Masterton, New Zealand |
| Died | 23 April 2018(2018-04-23) (aged 101) Masterton, New Zealand |
| Political party | National |
| Spouse | |
| Relations | Charlie Mills (great-grandfather)[1] |
| Children | 4 |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance | New Zealand |
| Branch/service | New Zealand Army |
| Rank | Lieutenant colonel |
| Commands | 22nd Battalion |
| Battles/wars | |
| Awards | Distinguished Service Order Military Cross Mentioned in Despatches Efficiency Decoration Officer of the Legion of Merit (United States) |
Haddon Vivian Donald,DSO, MC, ED (20 March 1917 – 23 April 2018) was a New Zealand soldier, businessman and politician of theNational Party. He was the oldest living former New ZealandMember of Parliament, and at the time of his death, was the highest-ranking New Zealand army officer ofWorld War II living.[1] During the war, Donald served as an officer for the22nd Battalion rising to the rank of lieutenant colonel. After his military service, Donald representedWairarapa in the parliament from 1963 to 1969.[1]
Donald was born in 1917 atMasterton,[2] the son of Vivian Everard Donald and Gertrude Blanche Donald (née Mills). He was educated atNelson College from 1930 to 1932,[3] and afterwards atWairarapa College.[2]
He joined theNew Zealand Expeditionary Force in 1939.[2] During theSecond World War he was an officer in the22nd Battalion, rising to the rank of lieutenant colonel. The history group of theMinistry for Culture and Heritage has an interview with Haddon on its website where he describes the events at theMaleme airfield as part of theBattle of Crete.[4] Donald was awarded theMilitary Cross in 1942,[5] and theDistinguished Service Order in 1945. In 1947 he was made anOfficer of the Legion of Merit by the United States.[6] He was twicementioned in dispatches, in 1941 and 1942.[7] Donald later wrote about his experiences soldiering in Greece, Crete and Egypt in the bookIn Peace and War: A Civilian Soldier's Story, published in 2005.[8]
On his return from the war, he was a manufacturer based in the Wairarapa.[2] He represented theWairarapa electorate from1963 in succession toBert Cooksley, who retired after five terms.[9] Donald held the electorate until1969, when he was defeated byLabour'sJack Williams.[10] He lost the election by 467 votes.[11]
Donald worked for his family firm of Donald Presses Ltd for 50 years, and was chairman of the company from 1970 to 1986. He captained the New Zealand rifle team on five occasions.[3] Donald lived inTaupō.[12] In April 2013, Donald at 96 years old, visited the parliament for discussions withDefence MinisterJonathan Coleman andSpeakerDavid Carter.[1]
| Years | Term | Electorate | Party | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1963–1966 | 34th | Wairarapa | National | ||
| 1966–1969 | 35th | Wairarapa | National | ||
Donald was married to Ana Beetham from 1947 until she died in May 2014, aged 90; she was buried in Masterton.[7][13] The couple had four children and 14 grandchildren.[11] Donald turned 100 in March 2017[11] and died on 23 April 2018 in Masterton, at the age of 101.[14]
Donald was awarded theDistinguished Service Order,Military Cross,Efficiency Decoration, and made an Officer of theLegion of Merit.[11] In 1990, he was awarded theNew Zealand 1990 Commemoration Medal.[7] In May 2017, Donald received a telegram fromQueen Elizabeth II commemorating his 100th birthday.[11]
| New Zealand Parliament | ||
|---|---|---|
| Preceded by | Member of Parliament for Wairarapa 1963–1969 | Succeeded by |
| International | |
|---|---|
| National | |
