Donald Deacon was born in Faversham, Kent on 4 January 1901, the son of Francis George Deacon (a publican) and Louise Victoria Deacon (née Stebbings) of 10, West Street, Faversham, Kent.  At the time of the 1911 Census (2^nd April 1911) he and his brother Francis Samuel, were staying at Courtenay House, Tavistock – the home of his uncle, William Linnell who was Assistant Schoolmaster at Kelly College, Tavistock.  

He joined the Royal Navy as a Cadet on 15 June 1919, was promoted to Midshipman on 1 April 1921 and was appointed to the Battle Cruiser HMS TIGER.  He was then appointed to the Light Cruiser HMS CASTOR on 30 December 1921.  

Promoted to Sub Lieutenant on 15 July 1922, he was appointed to HMS DOLPHIN (Submarine School) ‘for Submarine Course’ on 27 April 1924.  An appointment to the Submarine Flotilla Leader HMS CONQUEST (1st Submarine Flotilla) at Chatham ‘for Submarines’ followed on 23 August 1924 and, on 20 October 1924 Donald Deacon was appointed to HMS CONQUEST ‘for Submarine K26 as the Navigating Officer’.  He is reported to have died on Saturday 14 November 1925.  It is understood that he died in the Royal Marines Infirmary at Chatham following a fall down some steps at the Royal Marine Barracks which resulted in fractures of both his upper and lower jaws.  He is buried in the Brighton and Preston Cemetery, Hartington Rd, Brighton, Sussex.

See report in Aberdeen Press & Journal of 18 November 1925