ARMY CDOS Durrant, Thomas Frank

Just Out of Sight
By A.W.C. Eldridge
Bearded Brigands
By Brendan O'Carroll

John Robertson

Administrator
Staff member
  • SURNAME
Durrant
  • FORENAME
Thomas Frank
  • UNIT
1 Commando
  • RANK
Sergeant
  • NUMBER
1874047
  • DATE OF DEATH
28th March 1942
  • AGE
23
  • GRAVESITE
Escoublac-la-Baule War Cemetery,France 1.D.11
  • ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
parent unit Royal Engineers
born 17.10.1918 Green Street Green,Farnborough,Kent
father Thomas Edwin Durrant (1864-1937), mother Harriet L Durrant (nee Lee) (1865-1954)
resided London SE
award V.C.
WIA/POW 27.3.1942 St Nazaire - DOW next day
wounded on River Loire on HMML 306
 

DATE OF DEATH:

28-Mar-1942

AWARD:

https://www.specialforcesroh.com/index.php?threads/durrant-thomas-frank.28287/

CITATION:

Victoria Cross : For great gallantry, skill and devotion to duty when in charge of a Lewis gun in HM Motor Launch 306 in the St Nazaire raid on 28 March 1942.

Motor Launch 306 came under heavy fire while proceeding up the River Loire towards the port. Sergeant Durrant, in his position abaft the bridge, where he had no cover or protection, engaged enemy gun positions and searchlights ashore. During this engagement he was severely wounded in the arm but refused to leave his gun. The Motor Launch subsequently went down the river and was attacked by a German destroyer at 50 to 60 yards range, and often closer. In this action Sergeant Durrant continued to fire at the destroyer's bridge with the greatest of coolness and with complete disregard of the enemy's fire. The Motor Launch was illuminated by the enemy searchlight, and Sergeant Durrant drew on himself the individual attention of the enemy guns, and was again wounded in many places. Despite these further wounds he stayed in his exposed position, still firing his gun, although after a time only able to support himself by holding on to the gun mounting.

After a running fight, the Commander of the German destroyer called on the Motor Launch to surrender. Sergeant Durrant's answer was a further burst of fire at the destroyer's bridge. Although now very weak, he went on firing, using drums of ammunition as fast as they could be replaced. A renewed attack by the enemy vessel eventually silenced the fire of the Motor Launch, but Sergeant Durrant refused to give up until the destroyer came alongside, grappled the Motor Launch and took prisoner those who remained alive.

Sergeant Durrant's gallant fight was commended by the German officers on boarding the Motor Launch. This very gallant non-commissioned officer later died of the many wounds received in action.

WEB LINKS:

http://www.commandoveterans.org/ThomasDurrantVCCommando
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thomas_Frank_Durrant
http://www.vconline.org.uk/thomas-f-durrant-vc/4586603862

FINDAGRAVE:

https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/9764165/thomas-frank-durrant
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