Robert Joseph Durrant

A Corporal in the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, Robert died on 28th February 1945 aged 28. 

Robert was born at Rushmere on 27 March 1917, a son of Arthur and Lucy Durrant. In 1921 his family lived at 1 Prospect Place, Kessingland, and this was still their home in 1939. 

In 1939 Robert was working as an electrician and lodged at 13 Portland Street, King’s Lynn. 

In 1940 Robert married Millvina Ethel Bond, this was registered in the Lothingland district. Millvina remarried in 1947. 

Robert joined the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve between September 1939 and August 1940. Robert served with 151 Maintenance Unit. His unit was based at Singapore from 1 June 1941 to 10 February 1942, when they were evacuated to Java. Robert was taken prisoner at Java on 8 March 1942. On 26 September 1942 he was transferred to Jesselton, and 9 October 1942 he was sent to Sandakan, Borneo, where he died from malaria.  

WITH THANKS TO: Malcolm Barrass