Drawing attention to a number of errors published in 'Torpedo boat casualties.' The Engineer, vol. 63, 27 May 1887, pp. 424-425, Donaldson defended Thornycroft's torpedo boat design and construction methods and inferred that the accident in torpedo boat No. 47 was directly attributable to the actions of inexperienced naval reservists in the boiler and engine rooms. He also pointed out that at the time of the accident HMS Lightning was the only torpedo boat in service that had a regular crew attached to her.