Leonard William Durney was the son of Leonard James and Grace Mary Durney, of East Ham, Essex, he enlisted in the General Service Corps, and volunteered for Airborne forces.
Private Durney successfully completed parachute training at RAF Ringway on course number 96 from 16 to 30 December 1943. His course report stated “Above the average in ground work and jumping.” He was posted to C Company, 12 Platoon, 9th (Essex) Battalion, The Parachute Regiment, and took part in Operation Overlord (Normandy).
Pte Durney was killed in action on 6 June 1944, aged 18, and was given a field burial at Gonneville-sur-Merville and was re-interred to Ranville War Cemetery, Calvados, France, on 16 July 1945.
If you are part of Pte Durney’s family and would like to complete this biography, you can apply to the curator to do so. To do this you will need to become a member of ParaData and select the 'friend or family member' option on the registration form.
If you would like to find out more about becoming a member please visit our registration page.
Members of ParaData can submit their material by clicking on the 'Add content to this article' button on the right.
By Rod Gibson Photo provided by family member Colin Perry
Read More
Latest Comments
I knew aunt Bessie well.
I would also be interested in finding out more from others.
Many thanks
Katie
My name is Barry Coleman and I am Grace Coleman's (Nee Durney) son. Lenny being my uncle, whom I never met.
I have visited Lenny's Grave @ ranville cemetary twice and once with my Dad John Coleman. Unfortunatly My Mum did not see his grave and both my parents have now passed. My dad's uncle also died about 6 days after D-Day his name was Albert Beard.
Add Comment
In order to add comments you must be registered with ParaData.
If you are currently a ParaData member please login.
If you are not currently a ParaData member but wish to get involved please register.