Newcastle Daily Chronicle 08/03/1916

"At Wallsend Town Hall, last night, after the conclusion of the ordinary meeting of the Borough Council, the mayor (Ald. W.H. Thompson) presented the D.C.M. and a timepiece to Company-Sergeant-Major W.R. McDonald, of the 5th Northumberland Fusiliers. There was a large attendance of the public, and a company of Fusiliers, with officers, were also present. Ald. J.T. Watson (Deputy Mayor) presided. The Town Clerk (Mr. W.V. Mulcaster) read the official statement that the D.C.M. had been awarded to Comp.-Sergt.-Major McDonald, for his conspicuous gallantry is steadying a newly-arrived draft, for collecting parties who were retiring, incuding others to remain by his courage and example, and for having rescued a wounded officer. Sergt.-Major McDonald was loudly cheered when the gifts were handed over, and in his reply appealed to the young men of the town to join the battalion."

Journal 28/10/1997 reports:"A Croix de Guerre awarded to CS Major William Robson McDonald in 1916 was auctioned in 1997. He was also awarded a clock by the people of Wallsend. These items were also sold at auction in 1997. CSM McDonald survived the war and died in 1973 aged 84."