Name: |
DURRANT |
Given Name: |
WILLIAM HEINZ GILBERT |
Initials: |
W H G |
Rank: |
Second LieutenantOther Casualties of this Rank |
Regiment: |
Dorsetshire Regiment |
Unit: |
6th Bn.Other Casualties from this Unit |
Unit 2: |
attd. 2nd Bn. Wiltshire RegimentOther Casualties from this Unit |
Date of Death: |
1915-09-26Other Casualties on this
Date |
Age: |
35 |
Cause of Death: |
Killed in action, as he led his men across No Man's Land, during the largest operation of the year when the Dorsets took part in the Battle of the Loos in 1915. This battle would mark the first use of poison gas as a weapon by the British forces and it was hoped that the operation would break through the German defences. However, the attack was a costly failure and the British suffered a high number of casualties as a result of the strong German defences in area |
Decorations: |
Long Service and Good Conduct Medal |
Additional
Information: |
Son of Henry and Frances Elizabeth Anne Durrant, of 16, Branksome Wood Rd., Bournemouth. Educated Alleyn's and lived in Bournemouth before the start of the First World War. He already had a substantial amount of military experience prior to the outbreak of war, having served in British Army during the South Africa campaign in 1899-1902. After Britain's declaration of war in August 1914, he decided to continue his service in the Army, joining the Dorset Regiment as a Second Lieutenant on the Western Front in 1915. ref. South African Roll of Honour 1914-1918 |
This information was last verified for accuracy: 2024-01-11
