L/Cpl 15906 Peter Henderson Don

• Age: 22
• From: Liverpool
• Regiment: The King's (Liverpool Regiment) 17th Btn
• K.I.A Tuesday 27th June 1916
• Commemorated at: Cerisy-gailly Mil Cem
  Panel Ref: II.K.12

Peter Henderson Don was born in 1894 in Liverpool, the son of David Don, a Scottish born insurance agent, and his wife Margaret (nee Carmichael). His parents David Don and Margaret Carmichael were married in 1891 in the West Derby Registration district of Liverpool. He had siblings Isabella Jane and Elsie Margaret.

In 1901 the family lived at 15 Church Avenue, Walton. Peter is 7 years of age and lives with his parents, elder sister and his grandparents. His father is head of the household, he is 30 years of age and an insurance agent, whilst his mother is also 30 years of age, she was born in Liverpool. His elder sister, Isabella J. is 9 years old. His grandparents Daniel and Isabella Carmichael are also present.  

Peter was educated at Liverpool Institute and then took up employment with the Bank of Liverpool.

In 1911 they are still at the same address. Peter is now a 17 year old bank clerk. He lives with his parents and two siblings. His father David is a 40 year old fire insurance manager. His parents advise that they have been married for twenty years and have had five children, of whom three have survived. His siblings are shown as;  Isabella Jane a 19 year old typist for a timber company and five year old Elsie Margaret. The family alos employ a servant Alice Tyrer aged 22. 

On 01^st September 1914, Peter enlisted at St George's Hall in Liverpool, joining the 17th Battalion of The King's Liverpool Regiment as Private 15906. He gave his age as 20 years and 300 days, his occupation as clerk and his next of kin as his father living at “Westcot”, Ennismore Road, Great Crosby. He was described as being 5' 11 and a half inches tall, weight 150 1bs with a 37" chest.

He was billeted at Prescot Watch Factory from 14^th September 1914, he trained there and also at Knowsley Hall. On 30th April 1915 the 17th Battalion alongside the other three Pals battalions left Liverpool via Prescot Station for further training at Belton Park, Grantham. They remained here until September 1915 when they reached Larkhill Camp on Salisbury Plain. 

Between 29^th June and 8^th July 1915 he was a patient in Grantham Military Hospital having contracted German Measles. On 11^th August 1915 while at Grantham, Peter overstayed his leave by 2 days and was ordered to forfeit 2 days pay and given 7 days CB. On 26^th September 1915 at Salisbury he was admonished for being absent without leave overnight on 26^th September.

From 07^th November 1915 he served in France and on 31^st May 1916 was appointed Lance Corporal (Unpaid) and although Graham Maddocks shows his rank as Private, his service record says that he held the rank of Lance Corporal when he was killed in action on 27th June 1916, aged 22.

His death was reported in the Liverpool Echo dated 11th July 1916 

ROLL OF HONOUR

–Old boy of Liverpool Institute –

News has been received that Lance Corporal Peter N Don of the Liverpool “Pals” scouting section has been killed in action on June 27.  He was educated at the Liverpool Institute and was in the service of the Bank of Liverpool.  He enlisted in the “Pals” on their formation and went to France early in November 1915.  He was the only son of Mr David Don of Crosby.

The Liverpool Echo 11/7/1916 and also 12^th and 13^th July 1916

- KIA – DON – June 17 killed in action in his 22^nd year, Lance Cpl Peter Henderson Don (Scouting section Liverpool ‘Pals’) dearly loved and only son of Mr & Mrs David Don, Ennismore Road, Crosby.

His record also shows that his effects were sent to his mother at 1 Ennismore Drive.

In 1919, a sworn declaration made by his father showed that Peter was survived by both parents and his two sisters, who all lived at ‘Eastwood’, College Road North, Blundellsands.  

Peter is commemorated on the following Memorials:

Martins Bank Building

Crosby and Blundellsands

Liverpool Institute

St Michael's Church, Blundellsands

Liverpool Presbytery Blundellsands

His mother died in the March quarter of 1942, aged 71. Her death was registered in Sussex (Battle).

His father died in the December quarter of 1945, aged 74. His death was also registered in Sussex (Hastings). 

We currently have no further information on Peter Henderson Don. If you have or know someone who may be able to add to the history of this soldier, please contact us.