After his mother died when Don was 14½ years old, he signed up for the Navy. Following aptitude tests it was decided he’d suit being a stoker and was sent for training on HMS Raleigh in Plymouth.

He joined the Submarine Service in 1956 and travelled the world, taking part in exercise after exercise, during which time he was involved in some major events.

After leaving the Navy, Don became a Training Officer and joined a plastic company, Sweetheart International, in Gosport. Following that he worked as a Training Manager for Polyline in Enfield, Middlesex.

Don spent ten years as a Tour Guide on HMS Alliance and still lives in Gosport.