WIlliam Durrant of Wisbech Royal British Legion obituary

William ‘Bill’ Durrant held high-level positions with various military organisations locally for decades, including the Royal British Legion and the Army Cadet Force. 

Hundreds of young cadets benefitted from his guidance and leadership over the years, and he continued to represent the military community throughout his life. 

William Durrant and his wife Shirley stand alongside two Army Cadets on Wisbech Market Place. (Image: Courtesy of the Durrant Family) He is the former President of the Royal British Legion’s Wisbech Branch and between 2009 and 2020 co-ordinated and assisted with its Poppy Appeal efforts.

In that time, he helped raise almost £360,000 for the charity by liaising and delivering poppies, wreaths and collection boxes across the Fens.   

At parades and military events, he would embrace the Standard Bearer duties with honour and pride.   

William Durrant participating in a parade of Army Cadets through Wisbech. (Image: Courtesy of the Durrant Family) William Durrant as Standard Bearer for the Royal British Legion. 
Colonel Mark Knight MBE, Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Cambridgeshire, first met Mr Durrant when he was a young Army Cadet at Tydd St Giles in 1968.   

He said: “Serving the community was something Bill was passionate about." 

“He devoted many hours instructing and leading young army cadets around the Wisbech area, as he wanted to give them the best start in life." 

“These cadets became better citizens and learnt respect and discipline, along with a culture of ‘work hard, play hard’. 

“Even in retirement, he along with his wife Shirley, provided welfare support at annual camps involving running the Navy, Army and Air Force Institutes and cooking burgers. 

“Bill said these were some of his best times.” 

Mr Durrant was born in Long Sutton and moved to Sutton Bridge as a child, when his parents were stewards of the Conservative Club. 

A child during the Second World War, he always wanted to be in the Army and was allowed to join the cadets a year early at the age of 12.   

William Durrant with young Army Cadets on an annual camp. (Image: Courtesy of the Durrant Family) With the cadets, he worked his way up to Sergeant Major.   

Mr Durrant’s own military career was cut short after he contracted pleurisy and was medically discharged.   

Even though he was disappointed, he channelled his passion into the local community with the Army Cadets in both Tydd St Giles and Gorefield.   

When it was time to finally hang up his uniform, Mr Durrant proudly joined the Cambridgeshire Regiment Association.   

He was first involved with the Royal British Legion in 1965 and is credited for helping the Wisbech Branch through challenging times between 2009 and 2011.  

Mr Durrant served as Chairman, Secretary, Treasurer and Standard Bearer during that period – and through his dogged determination and dedication is recognised for having helped to prevent its closure due to dwindling members.  

His efforts were widely appreciated when the branch – which is among the oldest in the country – celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2023.   

Toby North, the current Branch Chairman, said: “Bill Durrant gave everything and more to the Wisbech Branch of the Royal British Legion, and its many military veterans and their connections.”   

A mess dinner attended by William Durrant. (Image: Courtesy of the Durrant Family) One of Mr Durrant’s last engagements with the community was the official opening of the National Army Cadet Force Museum in Octavia Hill Birthplace House in September 2023.   

There, he had the privilege and honour of meeting WO2 Johnson Beharry Victoria Cross, one of only two serving British Army soldiers to hold the most prestigious decoration of our honours system. 

William Durrant alongside WO2 Johnson Beharry Victoria Cross, who attended the official opening of the National Army Cadet Force Museum. (Image: Courtesy of the Durrant Family) Mr Durrant met his wife Shirley aged 16 at a dance in Sutton Bridge and they were married at St Matthews Church in 1961.   

They lived in the Wisbech area throughout their married life.  

Over the years, he held down various jobs and worked for the NHS, Metal Box and Harlocks Builders among others. 

Mrs Durrant was very supportive of her husband’s military commitments and his family have described him as “a hardworking family man”.   

The couple had two sons, Robert and Andrew. Their much-loved grandchildren are Craigen, Kirsty, Ben and Nick. Their daughter-in-law, Andrew's wife, is Barbara.  

He was also very proud of his great grandchildren, Amelia and Leo.   

As Mr Durrant’s own health started to deteriorate, he proudly delegated his Standard Bearer duties to his grandson Ben when he was a member of the Wisbech Army Cadets. 

Shirley and William Durrant stand proudly either side of their grandson Ben when he was an Army Cadet. (Image: Courtesy of the Durrant Family) Colonel Knight added: “Bill, was unique. He was professional in everything he put his mind to, being an excellent role model in his appearance, dress and conduct." 

“Bill often spoke his mind and did not suffer fools gladly, holding everyone to his own high standards." 

“Family was important and something which he juggled well, along with his voluntary work with the various organisations with which he was involved." 

“Bill your duty is now done, RIP.”   

Mr Durrant passed away peacefully at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in King’s Lynn on June 7, 2024.  

His funeral service will be held at Fenland Crematorium, March tomorrow (July 5, 2024) from 1:30pm.   

There will be a Guard of Honour, parading of both the Cambridgeshire Regimental Association and Royal British Legion Standards, and the playing of the Last Post in recognition of his service. 

Mr Durrant’s family have requested donations are made to The Royal British Legion at the service, or online at www.peterbarnesfunerals.co.uk.

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