DONKIN, SIR RUFANE SHAW British soldier, son of Robert Donkin (d. 1821), joined the army at the age of 14. He was divisional commander in Hastings' operations against the Mahrattas (1817-18), receiving the K.C.B. as his reward. From 182o to 1821 he administered the Cape of Good Hope with success, and named the rising seaport of Algoa bay Port Elizabeth in memory of his wife. In 1821 he became lieu tenant-general and G.C.B.
See Jerdan, National Portraits, vol. iii. ; Gentleman's Magazine, xcii. i. 273.