Family tribute to fun-loving war hero
BY CHRIS DYER reporters@dailyrecord.co.uk RELATIVES have paid tribute to a 92-year-old war hero who died after crashing his motorcycle.
Donald Wallace broke his ribs in the accident and passed away a fortnight later.
His family say the Edinburgh-born grandad, who took part in the Arctic Convoys and the D-Day bombings, had a spirit of adventure all his life.
Daughter Fiona Tyson added: “You could never tell my dad what to do.
“He was a very adventurous man and always a very determined man.
“He led a very full life, adventurous right to the end. Even in his hospital bed, he was planning various activities.
“He was very active, so the fact that he didn’t linger on was the best outcome.
“I will always remember my dad telling jokes, making puns and laughing. He enjoyed socialising and was a proper bon viveur.”
Donald was on his way back from a hospital appointment on his bike when he clipped the kerb near his home in Watford.
Donald’s family say they are proud of his achievements.
At the age of 17, he joined the Navy and during World War II, he took part in perilous voyages to take supplies to Russia.
Donald was later awarded the Arctic Star and the Ushakov medal from Russia for his service.
After the war, he studied theology at St Andrews University and later joined the RAF as a chaplain.
One of his first postings was to Kenya, where his parish covered Uganda and Tanganyika.
His job as a chaplain took Donald, wife Betty and their two children all around the world, from Germany to Cyprus and Shropshire to Lincolnshire, before they eventually settled in Watford.
In 1977, Donald was appointed Honorary Chaplain to the Queen.