World War II Victoria Cross Recipient. He posthumously received the award on October 29, 1946 for his actions on March 28, 1942 while serving as a sergeant in the No. 1 Commando unit of the British Army during the St. Nazaire Raid at Pays de la Loire on the western coast of France. Following his primary education, he worked as a laborer before enlisting in the British Corps of Royal Engineers in February 1937. Following the outbreak of World War II in September 1939, he volunteered for service in the No. 2 Special Independent Company (a newly established commando unit) and served in the Norwegian Campaign (April until June 1940) and promoted to the rank of sergeant. He was then assigned to the No. 1 Commando unit charged with sabotaging the heavily defended docks at the German-controlled port of St. Nazaire, France and was mortally wounded during the attack at the age of 23. His Victoria Cross citation reads: "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." His Victoria Cross is on display at the Royal Engineers Museum in Gillingham, Kent, England.