Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A Great War ‘Western Front’ D.C.M., and ‘Passchendaele’ M.M. group of five awarded to Company Sergeant-Major G. W. Durran, 4th (Central Ontario) Battalion, Canadian Infantry, who was killed in action in December 1917

Distinguished Conduct Medal, G.V.R. (412363 A.C.S. Mjr: G. W. Durran. 4/Can: Inf:); Military Medal, G.V.R. (412363 Sjt:-C.S. Mjr:- G. W. Durran. 4/Can: Inf:); 1914-15 Star (412363 A/L. Cpl. G. W. Durran. 4/Can: Inf:) ; British War and Victory Medals (412363 W.O. Cl. 2 G. W. Durran. 4-Can. Inf.) nearly extremely fine (5) £2,400-£3,000

D.C.M. London Gazette 1 January 1918; citation London Gazette 17 April 1918:

‘For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. On one occasion he went out from an advanced post, and cut away the wire from an enemy advanced post, and although daylight was beginning, and he was heavily sniped at, he, with great courage, persisted until the whole wire had been dragged to our post and added to its defences.’

M.M. London Gazette 13 March 1918. The recommendation states:

‘For conspicuous bravery, devotion to duty and valuable services rendered during the operations at Passchendaele on the 6th and 7th Nov., 1917. On the morning of Nov. 6th “A” Company moved forward from their assembly positions through a very heavy barrage where they had to dig in under intense shell fire. C.S.M. Durran went through this barrage and reconnoitred the position and superintended the digging in of the Company. By his wonderful example of coolness and bravery he encouraged the men greatly. This N.C.O. did splendid work at Mount Sorrell, the Somme, Vimy, Fresnoy, and Hill 70.’

Company Sergeant-Major George William Durran was killed in action on 17 December 1917, aged 29. He was the son of Mr and Mrs John Durran, of Campbellford, Ontario, and is buried in Villers Station Cemetery, Villers-au-Bois, France.