Donald McCaig, a cherished veteran, has passed away, leaving behind a legacy of bravery and love in Manchester
Manchester: A beloved Second World War veteran has passed away at the age of 103. Donald McCaig, known as one of the ‘Desert Rats,’ was honored by his family for his remarkable life.
He lived in Moston, Manchester, his entire life and died on December 10 in a local care home. His family is planning a funeral service with military honors and a piper from the Army this Friday.
Donald served as a corporal during the war, joining the Army as a teenager. He spent five years in North Africa, fighting in the pivotal Battle of El Alamein in 1942.
His son, Ian, shared that Donald was one of the last surviving veterans from the Second World War in Greater Manchester. He served with the Queen’s Bays regiment.
After the war, Donald worked as a cabinet maker and joiner. He was married to Hilda for over 70 years until her passing in 2019 at the age of 95.
Ian, who is 70 and lives in Bowdon, Trafford, reminisced about his dad’s enlistment at 18. He noted that El Alamein was a turning point in the North African campaign.
Donald fought against the famous German Field Marshal Erwin Rommel, known as ‘The Desert Fox.’ Ian described his dad as a natural comedian, always cracking jokes.
He was deeply devoted to his family. At his funeral, the Army’s Lancs. 4th Regiment will honor him with a trumpeter playing the Last Post.
Interestingly, Donald was born just after midnight on November 11, 1921, which is Armistice Day. However, the midwife recorded his birth date as November 10 due to the somber nature of the day.
During the war, he worked as a radio and signal operator and fought through Libya into Italy as part of the Allies’ campaign.
Donald’s father was also a veteran, having served in the First World War. He lost an arm in battle and received a certificate signed by the King.
In a touching moment, Donald received a birthday card from Queen Elizabeth when he turned 100 in 2021.
He leaves behind two sons, a daughter, two grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, and three great-great-grandchildren. His funeral will be held at St Mary’s CE Church in Moston, followed by a committal at Blackley Cemetery.
