Edwin John Durrant

Story:
Edwin John Durrant was born in 1895 in Stourton Caundle, Dorset. He was the son of James Arthur Durrant, a carter on a farm, and Isabella Durrant (née Williams). His father died in 1907 and was buried at East Knoyle on 20th October, 1907. At the time of the 1911 Census he was single, working as a Farm Labourer and living at Shaftesbury Road, East Knoyle, Wiltshire. He enlisted in Shaftesbury as a Private in the Dorsetshire Regiment (Service No. 1978). He later transferred to the 2nd/1st Bucks Battalion of the Oxfordshire & Buckinghamshire Light Infantry (New Service No. 5416). He served in France & Flanders and was awarded the Victory and British War War medals. He died of wounds on 20th July 1916 and was buried at Merville Communal Cemetery, Merville, Pas de Calais, France (grave id. XI.A.37). He is remembered on the East Knoyle War Memorial. His mother died in 1919.  His brother, Sidney Frank Durrant, also served in the conflict but survived.