Peterborough & The Great War

Biography

Donald Stiles was born on 22 May 1890 in Stanstead, Essex, to Richard Peers Stiles and Alice.

The 1901 census lists the family living at 28 Hooper Street, Cambridge. Donald had two brothers, William Richard Peers born in 1880 and Clifton born in 1883, who were both employed as shop assistants. There was also a sister called Gladys Mabel, born in 1886.

On the 1911 census, the family were still residing at the same address. Donald was employed as a printer compositor. His brother Clifton is working as a tailor from home. Richard and William are employed as grocer’s assistants. By this time, Gladys is boarding at an address in Cherry Hinton. Her name is given as Gladys Mabel Peers. An infant aged around one years old, called Donald Peers (who maybe her son) is also living at the same address.

Donald enlisted into the Oxford and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry on 25 May 1915, transferring to the Machine Gun Corps in August 1916, serving with the 76 company (3rd division). At the age of 29, after two and a half years service, Donald received a gunshot wound to the right side of his neck. He was transferred from the sick convoy on 30 September 1917 and treated on a hospital ship at Stad Antwerpen, C Depot. He was discharged on 21 December 1917 in Charing Cross.

Donald was awarded the Military Medal, being cited for ‘bravery in the field’ in The London Gazette on 28 January 1918. He received a Silver War Badge and an honourable discharge due to his injuries (number 516584) on 14 December 1918. He also received the Allied Victory and British War medals for his service.

In 1921, Donald married Constance M Litchfield in Chesterton, Cambridge. Records  show they had one son, Terence Litchfield Stiles, who passed away in 2007, in Cromer.

In the 1939 Register, Donald and his wife Constance were living at 21 Sherlock Road, Cambridge. Donald is employed as a linotype operator. There are no children living with them.

Donald passed away on the 5 November 1947. He was still residing at the same address in Cambridge.

Records suggest Constance lived until 1974, when she passed away on 3 February, in Reigate, Surrey.

Please get in touch if you can tell us more about Donald and his family.