In the 1901 census Donald McKenzie was 8 years old and living at nockladie (Knocklady on war memorial)  with his parents Alexander and Dolina McKenzie. His father was a shepherd. Also at home were his sister Maggie and brothers George, John, Alexander and Robert. He was born at Kilmuir.

The only Donald Mackenzie  on the roll of Soldiers Who Died, being born in Kilmuir, is the one whose commonwealth graves certificate is opposite. This is confirmed by looking at  the Army Order of  Soldiers Effects to the Donald with that number and the roll records the money the army were owing him at his death. He left everything to be shared among his family with each sibling being mentioned by name and his mother and father being mentioned by name. His brother George and Alexander were in the Seaforth Highlanders.

Donald was killed during the Battle of Loos which was fought between 25th September and 16th October 1915