Sergeant Thomas Frank Durrant VC, No.1 Commando

[Photos, documents and information on Tom and a few other members of his family courtesy of Tom's sister Ivy, his niece Pat, and his brother Jack's grandchildren Claire and Paul].

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The following details are taken from the London Gazette of 15th June, 1945 : On 28th March 1942 H.M. Motor Launch 306 was heavily attacked while proceeding up the river Loire in the raid on St Nazaire. Sergeant Durrant in charge of a Lewis gun in a completely exposed position engaged enemy guns and searchlights on shore. He was severely wounded in the arm but refused to leave his gun. Later when the launch was attacked at close range by a German destroyer, Sergeant Durrant fired cooly and continuously at the destroyer's bridge drawing on himself the enemy fire and suffering many further wounds. When so weak that he had to support himself on the gun mounting, he went on firing until his gun was silenced and the enemy boarded the motor lauch and took prisoner those still alive. This very gallant and skilful N.C.O. died later of his wounds.

In Memory of 1874047 Sergeant Thomas Frank Durrant VC
Royal Engineers and No. 1, Commando
who died age 23 on 28 March 1942
Remembered with honour at Escoublac La Baule Cemetery.

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