Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

Donald Webster was born in Carlton, Victoria, on 14 August 1896, the son of Donald Webster and Alice Lansdowne Tonks. He was a clerk when he enlisted with the AIF on 27 April 1916 at 19 years and 6 months. He stated that he had served 4 months with the CMF and reported to B Coy 23rd (Depot) Battalion at Royal Park. Afterwards, he transferred to the Signal School at Broadmeadows, where he was introduced to Signal training.

He embarked with the 15th reinforcements of the 2nd Divisional Signal Company aboard HMAT Shropshire A9 on 25 September, reaching Plymouth, UK, on 11 November. Following his arrival, he reported to the Signals Depot at No 3 Camp, Hitchin, where he began additional training in Signals. Sapper Webster was charged on 6 February 1917, while at the Engineer Training Depot, Sig Section in Shefford's Beds, for overstaying his pass. After a guilty verdict, he was sentenced to three days of confinement to barracks and forfeited one day's pay. He subsequently proceeded to France on 2 April, where he was assigned to the 5th Signal Company. In May, the 5th Division was tasked with the critical role of holding the line to the east of Bullecourt, with Signallers responsible for establishing communication lines for field telephones from headquarters to the various subunits. The communication line was buried whenever feasible; however, it frequently suffered damage from artillery fire or vehicular traffic, necessitating surface installation to ensure ongoing communication. The task of laying the line was among the most dangerous duties at the front. The personnel, known as "Linies," were required to operate above ground while transporting a wire reel. They often became the sole visible targets on the battlefield, making them susceptible to small arms and artillery fire. Consequently, this operation was typically conducted at night, which further increased the danger of becoming disoriented in the chaotic environment of the battlefield. The "Linies" were also tasked with identifying and mending breaks in the communication line. After a year of diligently performing these duties in the field, Sapper Webster was awarded a well-deserved leave to the United Kingdom on 16 March 1918. Upon rejoining his unit on 5 April, he quickly resumed laying and repairing communication lines for the Division. On 30 April, he and another soldier, 16373 Sapper George Baker, received a recommendation for a mention in despatches, which was subsequently downgraded to a mention in routine orders. This recommendation states:

On the morning of 24.04.18, near CORBIE the lines from 5th Aust Div Artillery HQ to 14th A.F Brigade and 150th Brigade R.F.A were cut by enemy shell fire. These two sappers worked untiringly on these lines and kept them in repair. The lines in the vicinity of the 114th A.F.A Battery and 55th A.F.A Battery were continuously under heavy fire, and it was impossible to maintain communication in the area through which they ran, and these had to be shifted to a place of safety. This entailed a considerable amount of work, but these men persevered and shifted the lines, the whole operation being carried out under an intense gas bombardment. Their unceasing efforts and devotion to duty under most trying circumstances are worthy of special recognition.

Sapper Webster was at the front lines throughout the German Spring Offensive, where he fought in the Second Battle of Villers Bretonneux. In June, the 5th Division held defensive positions between Dernancourt and Sailly-Laurette. On 8 August, the Allies launched the Hundred Days Offensive near Amiens, which ultimately shattered the impasse on the Western Front. He remained in active service until the armistice and was granted leave to the United Kingdom on 26 December, during which he celebrated the Christmas period. On 15 January 1919, he rejoined his unit, where they were engaged in various activities while anticipating their return to Australia. Sapper Webster returned to the United Kingdom on 24 April, where he reported to No. 5 Group in Weymouth, and he was eventually sent back to Australia on 10 June. Upon his arrival in Melbourne, his appointment with the AIF was terminated on 5 December.

It is thought that he lived on Riversdale Road in Camberwell before returning to his previous role as a clerk. He married Vere Mary Williams on 8 June 1935 in Essendon, Victoria. Vere was ten years younger, and together, they had a son named Donald Lansdowne Webster. By 1942, they were residing at 9 Columban Avenue in Essendon North, where he was listed as a manager. They lived at this address until his death on 11 March 1985, aged 88. Following his passing, he was cremated in Caulfield South, and his plaque can be found in the Brighton General Cemetery. Vere died on 8 October 1999 at the age of 92; she was also cremated, and her plaque is located beside her husband in the Brighton General Cemetery.