Donaldson was born in Negri Sembilan, Federated Malay States in 1912. He was educated at King’s School, Rochester, Christ’s Hospital and McGill University, Canada.
Donaldson joined the RAF on a short service commission in 1931 and in June 1932 was posted to No 3 Squadron at Upavon, flying Bristol Bulldogs. He won the Brooke-Popham Air Firing Trophy in 1933 and 1934 and led the aerobatic displays at Hendon in 1935 and 1937 and at the International Rally at Zurich in 1937.
“Teddy” Donaldson was posted to No 1 Squadron at Tangmere in July 1936, as a Flight Commander. He received a Permanent Commission in 1938. In August he joined the staff at 7 FTS, Peterborough and in November he took command of No 151 Squadron at North Weald.
The squadron took part in the fighting in France in 1940, using Vitry as an advanced landing ground. On 17 May Donaldson destroyed two Ju 87s, the next day a Bf 110 and on the 22nd a Ju 87 destroyed and probably a second. Over Dunkirk he shared a Ju 88 on 29 May, probably destroyed a Ju 88 on 1 June and destroyed a Bf 110 on the 2nd and two Bf 109s on the 8th. He was awarded the DSO. In late June, he baled out into the Channel, after combat with a Bf 109, but was rescued.
On 14 July, with the Battle of Britain underway, Donaldson claimed a Bf 109 destroyed. He was appointed Acting Wing Commander and posted from 151 on 3 August to be Chief Flying Instructor at 5 FTS, Sealand. In 1941 he went to the USA to organise gunnery schools and teach combat techniques. He was awarded the AFC.
In 1944, after a period at the Empire Central Flying School, Donaldson was given command of RAF Colerne, Wiltshire. He later commanded RAF Milfield, Northumberland.
Donaldson took command of the RAF High Speed Flight in early 1946 and on 7 September he broke the world speed record in a Gloster Meteor at 616 mph. He was awarded the Britannia Trophy and received a Bar to the AFC and the US Legion of Merit.
He retired from the RAF on 12 March 1961, as an Air Commodore. He was made CBE in 1953 and a CB in 1960. After his retirement, he was air correspondent for the Daily Telegraph until 1979.
Donaldson died on 2 June 2 1992 and is buried in St Andrew’s churchyard, Tangmere.
