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 and most prestigious 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 and it was on the recommendation of the enemy commander.
Sargent Durrant's manned a machine gun on his motor launch, H M Motor Launch 306, and kept reloading and firing at a German destroyer until he passed out from loss of blood. He was taken prisoner, and held with other British prisoners taken during the action.
The Captain of the German destroyer made it a point to go to the prison where he was held, seek him out, find his CO, and point him out, saying "that man deserves your Victoria Cross," which recommendation was accepted, and the award — the highest in Britain, equivalent of our Congressional Medal of Honor — was given him.
Here is his citation:
For great gallantry, skill and devotion to duty when in charge of a Lewis gun in HM Motor Launch 306 in the St Nazaire raid on 28 March 1942.Motor Launch 306 came under heavy fire while proceeding up the River Loire towards the port. Sergeant Durrant, in his position abaft the bridge, where he had no cover or protection, engaged enemy gun positions and searchlights ashore. During this engagement he was severely wounded in the arm but refused to leave his gun. The Motor Launch subsequently went down the river and was attacked by a German destroyer at 50 to 60 yards range, and often closer. In this action Sergeant Durrant continued to fire at the destroyer's bridge with the greatest of coolness and with complete disregard of the enemy's fire. The Motor Launch was illuminated by the enemy searchlight, and Sergeant Durrant drew on himself the individual attention of the enemy guns, and was again wounded in many places. Despite these further wounds he stayed in his exposed position, still firing his gun, although after a time only able to support himself by holding on to the gun mounting.
After a running fight, the Commander of the German destroyer called on the Motor Launch to surrender. Sergeant Durrant's answer was a further burst of fire at the destroyer's bridge. Although now very weak, he went on firing, using drums of ammunition as fast as they could be replaced. A renewed attack by the enemy vessel eventually silenced the fire of the Motor Launch, but Sergeant Durrant refused to give up until the destroyer came alongside, grappled the Motor Launch and took prisoner those who remained alive.
Sergeant Durrant's gallant fight was commended by the German officers on boarding the Motor Launch. This very gallant non-commissioned officer later died of the many wounds received in action.
We share deep cultural connections with the Germans, and the Russians too; one of these connections is the concept of valor, the concepts of bravery and self-sacrifice. These connections are so deep that even in the heat of war, responsible officers cannot help but admire these qualities even in the enemy, and feel obliged to see that it is recognized and rewarded.
Wikipedia source.
Extremely good Jeremy Clarkson documentary on the raid of St. Nazaire: THE GREATEST RAID OF ALL.