McKILLOP, Donald McIntyre

Donald, born 1884, was the son of Robert and Margaret McKillop of Bald Nob near Glen Innes.  He became a teacher and by 1913 was working at Delungra Public School, west of Inverell.  Donald enlisted at Armidale in November 1915 and joined the 33rd Battalion, A Company.

He left Australia on HMAT A74 Marathon in May 1916 and after nine weeks at sea arrived in England.  The day he departed Australia, he was appointed Corporal.  Donald was unwell during his first few months in England and spent some time in hospital. He did not go to France until mid June 1917. Three weeks later he rejoined his Battalion. 

Corporal Donald McKillop was killed in action on 12 October 1917 during the Battle of Passchendale.  He has no known grave and his name is inscribed on the Menin Gate Memorial, Belgium.  His few personal possessions which included 2 discs, wallet and a trinket were returned to his Father. 

His name is recorded on the white marble Honor Roll at Delungra Public School, and on the Inverell Honor Roll.

Donald’s brother, Evan, enlisted at Armidale in July 1916 when he was twenty three.  He joined the 34th Battalion and was later transferred to the 33rd Battalion. He served in France where he was gassed in 1918.  After the War ended he volunteered to work with the Australian Graves Detachment (part of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission). Evan returned to Australia in September 1919.

Photo: Courtesy of family