Son of Matthew and Mary (née Rose) Durnford. One of six children. He left for the war with his cousin Fred Durnford, with the 6th Contingent. Arrived in Liverpool May 1, 1940 on the SS Nova Scotia (Furness Withy & Co, Ltd.) via St. John's, Halifax & Boston. He was still in training attached to HMS Victory when he died. His cousin Fred Durnford was injured in the same raid.