He was the eldest of the four children of the Reverend John Donne and his wife, Mabel Snow. He was born in Havant, Hampshire in 1913.  His twin brother and sister were born at Newport, Monmouthshire in1915 and another brother at Newport in 1919. His father was the Vicar of Llantarnam, Monmouthshire from 1917 until 1952.

He was Gazetted 2nd Lieutenant from 102nd OCTU on 15 June 1940 and joined the 1st Derbyshire Yeomanry.

In 1942, he married Mary Lloyd Peck at Depwade, Norfolk. She was, later, the Vice-principal of St. John’s College, Rangoon and died in Norwich in 1992.

He was killed on 18 January 1943 in Tunisia.

He is buried in the Medjez-el-Bab War Cemetery Plot 15. G. 5.

He is commemorated on the 1st Derbyshire Yeomanry Roll of Honour, and the Newport Rugby Club Memorial and on the Rood Screen at St Gabriel's Church Cwmbran.

His connection to Christ Church is unknown. He may have been at the Choir School.

From The Queen’s College records:

LIEUTENANT J. R. T. DONNE

John Richard Thomas Donne was the son of the Rev. John Donne of Llantarnam, Monmouthshire, and was born at Warblington on 15 June 1913. He came to Queen's in 1933 from Worksop College, matriculating as a Commoner. He stayed for one year only, hoping to return later to finish his course. His interests were wide: he played many games well and obtained his hockey colours in 1933/4. He was musical and played both the piano and the organ, having been a boy chorister at Christ Church. On leaving the College he took a teaching post at St. John's College, Rangoon. He was home on furlough when war was declared and he joined the Army. He was commissioned in the Derbyshire Yeomanry, serving with this Regiment when it took part in the North African landing. On 18 January 1943, he was killed in action in North Africa.