Thomas Frank Durrant | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Nickname(s) | "Tommy" |
| Born | 17 October 1918 Farnborough, Kent, England |
| Died | 28 March 1942 (aged 23) St Nazaire, German-occupied France |
| Buried | La Baule-Escoublac War Cemetery, France |
| Allegiance | United Kingdom |
| Service | British Army |
| Years of service | 1937−1942 |
| Rank | Sergeant |
| Service number | 1874087 |
| Unit | Royal Engineers No. 1 Commando |
| Battles / wars | Second World War |
| Awards | Victoria Cross |
Sergeant Thomas Frank Durrant VC (17 October 1918 – 28 March 1942) was a soldier in the British Army during the Second World War and a posthumous English recipient of the Victoria Cross, the highest award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces. His award of the Victoria Cross was unique in that it is the only award given to a soldier in a naval action. It was also unusual, though not unique, in having been suggested by a German officer. (For similar cases see Lt Cdr Gerard Broadmead Roope VC RN, recommended by letter from Kapitan zur See Hellmuth Heye, commanding the German cruiser Admiral Hipper, and Flying Officer Lloyd Trigg VC RNZAF, recommended by Oberleutnant Klemens Schamong, captain U-468.)