Donald’s birth to William and Fannie Mason was registered at Inverell in 1891. The family lived at Gum Flat, west of Inverell.
Donald, a single man, enlisted at Liverpool NSW in January 1915 when he recorded his age as twenty three and occupation as Farmer. At this time men volunteering for War Service could not enlist at Inverell so made the journey to Sydney to do so.
Donald became a member of the 1st Battalion, 5th Reinforcement and sailed from Australia for Egypt on HMAT A40 Ceramic in June 1915. He served at Gallipoli before being transferred to the 1st Brigade Machine Gun Company and sent to France in March 1916.
During June the following year, he was transferred to Eastbourne Military Hospital in England for treatment of Trench Feet, returning to France in October.
During April 1918 Donald was wounded in action and invalided to England with a gunshot wound to his right leg. He returned to Australia on the Hospital Ship Kanowna in May 1919 and was medically discharged the following month. Upon his return he was given a Welcome Home at the Gum Flat Hall and later that year married at Inverell.
His younger brother, Thomas, also served during the War and both brothers have their names recorded on the Inverell and Gum Flat Honor Rolls.