'Operations Somme: 25th September/25th October 1916. Recommended for meritorious service and devotion to duty as Intelligence Officer of this Battalion during the past six months, and in particular during the period 24th September to 3rd October inclusive, while the Unit was in the Somme. He rendered greatest assistance in the preparation of the necessary reports, particularly on 25th and 27th September, on which the Battalion attacked the enemy?s lines. He carried out reconnaissance duties under very heavy artillery fire, when our positions were barraged, with an absolute disregard of his own safety, and throughout the operation displayed the highest courage, and set a splendid example to the Scouts under his command. Since our return to "Stationary" trench warfare, he has continued to display the same intelligence and courage in reconnaissance, and his reports are always characterised by care and accuracy. 2nd Lieut McDonald, he was promoted from the ranks in July last year, has fully justified his promotion in every way, and is one of the most capable young officers it is the privilege of a Battalion Commander to have under him.'
Source: London Gazette
Date: 4 June 1917

Regimental number	8/606
Address	80 Dowling St Dunedin
Marital status	Single
Next of kin	Mother, Mrs A McDonald, 16 Derby St Gisborne
Rank on embarkation	Private
Enlistment status	Volunteer
Unit name	New Zealand Expeditionary Force, Main Body, Otago Infantry Battalion
Embarkation details	Unit embarked from Wellington on 16 October 1914
	Members of the Otago Infantry Battalion, Main Body, left Wellington on 16 October 1914 on two ships, HMNZT 9 'Hawke's Bay' and HMNZT 5 'Ruapehu'. From the Nominal Roll it is not possible to determine on which ship an individual embarked.
Final rank	Captain
Final unit	1st Battalion, Otago Infantry Regiment (attached to 2nd New Zealand Infantry Brigade Headquarters)
Medals	Mentioned in Despatches 'For distinguished and gallant services and devotion to duty during the period 16th September 1918, to 15th March 1919.' Source: London Gazette Date: 11 July 1919 Military Cross 'Operations Somme: 25th September/25th October 1916. Recommended for meritorious service and devotion to duty as Intelligence Officer of this Battalion during the past six months, and in particular during the period 24th September to 3rd October inclusive, while the Unit was in the Somme. He rendered greatest assistance in the preparation of the necessary reports, particularly on 25th and 27th September, on which the Battalion attacked the enemy?s lines. He carried out reconnaissance duties under very heavy artillery fire, when our positions were barraged, with an absolute disregard of his own safety, and throughout the operation displayed the highest courage, and set a splendid example to the Scouts under his command. Since our return to "Stationary" trench warfare, he has continued to display the same intelligence and courage in reconnaissance, and his reports are always characterised by care and accuracy. 2nd Lieut McDonald, he was promoted from the ranks in July last year, has fully justified his promotion in every way, and is one of the most capable young officers it is the privilege of a Battalion Commander to have under him.' Source: London Gazette Date: 4 June 1917
Miscellaneous details	Nominal Roll Vol. 1: Otago Infantry Batln/Main Body