b. 04/11/1864 Westminster, London. d. 29/03/1933 Tottenham, London.
Alfred Edward Durrant (1864-1933) was born on 4th November 1864 in St James, Westminster, London. Little is known about his early life in London before he enlisted with the Rifle Brigade just prior to the Second Boer War. He was soon posted to serve in South Africa in 1899, and was soon involved in some of the early actions of the War.
Alfred E Durrant VC ISM
At Bergendal, on the 27th August, 1900, Acting-Corporal Wellar having been wounded, and being somewhat dazed, got up from his prone position in the firing line, exposing himself still more to the enemy’s fire, and commenced to run towards them. Private Durrant rose, and pulling him down endeavoured to keep him quiet, but finding this impossible he took him up and carried him back for 200 yards under a heavy fire to shelter, returning immediately to his place in the line.
Durrant was recommended for, and awarded the Victoria Cross on 18th October 1901. He received his medal from the Commander-in-Chief of South Africa, Lord Kitchener on 6th October 1902. He was also promoted to Lance-Corporal. For his service in South Africa, he also received the Queen’s South Africa Medal with three clasps, and the King’s South Africa Medal with two clasps.
Durrant was later awarded the Imperial Service Medal for 25 years’ service. Durrant died on 29th March 1933, aged 68 and was buried in Tottenham Cemetery in the Rosery Section. His medals are held and displayed by the Royal Green Jackets Museum, Winchester, Hampshire.
LOCATION OF MEDAL: ROYAL GREEN JACKETS MUSEUM, WINCHESTER.
BURIAL PLACE: TOTTENHAM CEMETERY, NORTH LONDON.
ROSERY SECTION, GRAVE 221
Acknowledgements:
Steve Lee www.memorialstovalour.co.uk – Image of Alfred Durrant’s Grave in Tottenham Cemetery.
Kevin Brazier – Cemetery Plan.