remained together until Donald's passing in the Pleasantville Nursing Home in Wynnum Brisbane. In 1942 their son Donald Robin Smith was born in Bundaberg, and Donald's two daughters Deanna Joy and Carol Beth were born in Brisbane in 1943 and 1945 respectively. On 4 October 1941, during World War II, Donald Sydney Smith enlisted in the Australian Army (47th Battalion AFI Military Services Number QX48665). Donald served at Milne Bay in New Guinea. It was here in New Guinea whilst serving as a private and a machine gunner that he was wounded in the right hand by 'friendly fire’ after being mistaken for the enemy, whilst setting up range markers for the machine guns. Following being wounded, he was first transported to an American-based hospital ship believed to be the 'SS Tasman', for treatment of his injuries, and where he also contracted malaria and lost so much weight down to 6 stones. The Australian Army at that time were unaware of where he was being treated. Therefore it was during this time that Joy (who was on her way to hospital to deliver their first daughter Deanna Joy), was advised by the Army that Donald was still alive, as they had previously reported that he was "missing in action, believed to be deceased". During recuperation for his injuries and after being repatriated to Australia Donald was eventually discharged from the Army on 28 October 1943. Singing career Donald Smith began his singing career on the local radio station 4BU Bundaberg, firstly singing mainly 'country and western’ music. He also toured the local area with a group called ‘Novac's Troupers'. Although a natural tenor voice from birth, it is understood that Donald had his first ‘singing lesson’ in Bundaberg with a lady named Kate Gratehead. It was she who helped him refine his musical ability and vocal technique for his natural tenor voice. Following Donald's return to civilian life after being discharged from the Army, he and Joy firstly relocated from Bundaberg to Toowoomba and then eventually to Brisbane. In Brisbane Donald found work as a clerk with the Government's ‘Repatriation Department’. He also found additional work to support his young family, including that as a ‘lift driver’ in a David Jones department store. On relocating to Brisbane, Donald also became acquainted with the well known band leader J.J. Kelly. Under Kelly's direction, he performed the tenor roles in some of