A much-loved Second World War veteran has died aged 103, with his proud family paying tribute to him.
Donald McCaig – one of the famous ‘Desert Rats’ who served in Egypt and North Africa – lived in Moston, Manchester, all his life. He sadly died on December 10 at a care home in the area.
A funeral service with military honours and a piper from the Army is being held on Friday.
Donald, a corporal in the war, joined up as a teenager and served in North Africa for five years until the conflict ended, fighting in the Battle of El Alamein in 1942.
His son, Ian McCaig, said his father was one of the last surviving Second World War veterans in Greater Manchester and served with the Queen’s Bays regiment.
He worked as a cabinet maker and a joiner after the war and was married to Hilda, who died aged 95 in 2019, for more than 70 years.
He enlisted aged 18
(Image: MEN)
Son Ian, 70 and from Bowdon, Trafford, said: “Dad enlisted in the Army at the age of 18 and was sent to fight in North Africa. El Alamein was the climax and turning point of the North African campaign in the Second World War.
“After defeating the famous German, Field Marshal Erwin Rommel, popularly known as ‘The Desert Fox’ during the war, he was sent to Italy. Dad was a comedian without him knowing it. He used to crack off the one-liners off the top of his head all the time.
“He was devoted to my mum and his family.
“Dad will be represented at his funeral by the Army’s Lancs. 4th Regiment by a trumpeter playing the Last Post.”
Ian said Donald was born just after midnight, on November 11, 1921 – Armistice Day. The midwife, however, recorded his date of birth as November 10 instead, as was the custom of the era due to the sadness and loss the day represents.
Donald McCaig
(Image: UGC)
He was a radio and signal operator during the war and also went through Libya into Italy as part of the Allies’ battle for North Africa.
Donald’s own father was a First World War veteran, who was in the Battles of the Ypres in 1914 and the Somme in 1916. After losing an arm, he was commissioned out of the Army and received a certificate signed by the King at the time.
And that honour came full circle when Donald received a birthday card from Queen Elizabeth when he celebrated his 100th birthday in 2021.
Donald leaves two sons and a daughter, two grandchildren, four great-grandchildren and three great great-grandchildren.
His funeral will take place at St Mary’s CE Church on Nuthurst Road in Moston on Friday, ahead of a committal at Blackley Cemetery.