Description
1939-45 Star, Africa Star, Defence Medal, War Medal, General Service Medal, GVI, bar Malaya, Army Long Service and Good Conduct Medal, bar Regular Army, EIIR, 848002 Sergeant W.W. “Jock” Durno B.E.M., Special Investigation Branch, Royal Military Police.
William Wilson Gologaly Durno, known by his friends as “Jock” Durno or Bill, long serving Soldier and Policeman, who travelled around the world with the Army Special Investigations Branch of the Royal Military Police.
The Weddington Social and Athletic Club February 1968:
MEET BILL JOCK DURNO BEM
One has only to look at the upright carriage and handlebar moustache to know that Jock Durno is “Ex-Military”.
One of the most popular members of the club, Jock has served on the committee, apart from a short break, since 1951.
Born in Banff, Scotland, in 1918, he enlisted in the Scots Guards as a Boy. He was service in Palestine and Egypt before the outbreak of war, and although due to return home, was immediately drafted into action.
He was actively engaged in the fighting in Libya and Eritrea and was wounded twice.
In the second Siege of Tobruk he was again wounded and taken prisoner. When peace was declared he returned home and joined Warwickshire Police Force.
He received commendation for his work, and on 1 occasion threw off his tunic and helmet to chase an escapee from borstal for 700 yards before catching him.
He was an outstanding forward in the Warwickshire Constabulary Football Team.
However it is apparent he yearned for the military life and returned to the Army Special Investigations Branch in which he completed his full colour service.
Whilst in Singapore he was joined by his wife, Joan and their 2 Children.
It was also in Singapore that Sgt W.W. Durno, R.M.P. was presented with the Commander-in-Chief’s Certificate for merit and devotion to duty, in September 1950.
The Birthday Honours List in 1915 contained the name of W.W. Durno, and the award of the British Empire Medal, an award which brought him congratulatory messages from many of the top “Brass Hats” under whom he had served. He had also been mentioned in despatches, and holds the Long Service and Good Conduct Medal.
On his return to civilian life, Jock joined the Dunlop Rubber Company as Planner at the Coventry Factory.
According to Jock, he is happy in England with his wife and four children down Church Lane way.
He maintains that he was deported from Scotland for sheep-stealing.
One thing, however, is certain – He is the only Scotsman south of the border with a peppermint-flavoured kilt, and if you want and explanation of that, ASK HIM!
GSM Malaya officially impressed: “848002 Sgt W. W. Durno. R.M.P.
Army LSGC officially impressed: “848002 Sgt W. W. Durno. R.M.P.
All 6 medals are swing mounted for wear circa 1950s, his BEM was awarded after all his medals had been awarded during 1959 so it was likely never mounted and since lost.
With a good archive of original papers etc, His 1950 RMP CinC Commendation, numerous original photos through his life, displaying his trademark handlebar moustache, newspaper cuttings of his career, awards death and his football matches with the Police Football Team. There is more than what is photographed.
His matching miniature medals including BEM, his engraved Masonic Initiate Medal, 3 Sporting bronze medals.
Recommendation of Award of the British Empire Medal,
For service with the Berlin Detachment, Special Investigations Branch, R.M.P.
Awarded for 10 years of service as an Investigator in Berlin from 1948-58.
Sergeant W. W. Durno has served in the Army since January 1938 and is in possession of the Long Service and Good Conduct medal and was awarded a Certificate of Commendation for Devotion to duty by the C in C Far East Land Forces in September 1950.
Since 1948, where he became a member of the Special Investigation Branch, Royal Military Police, he has earned a splendid reputation for his ability and efficiency and constant devotion to duty.
He is outstanding as a Criminal Investigator and has solved, by sheer hard work and tenacity, many difficult cases, often recovering, at the same time considerable quantities of stolen property.
The example he sets and the quality of his work is, and always has been, a fine example for all with whom he serves.”
