East Dorset Herald September 1918
Mr And Mrs W R Durdle of the Down’s Cottage Blandford have been officially notified that that their only son, Captain Reginald William Durdle was killed in action in France on September the 18th. The deceased young officer – he was only 25 years-old – threw up an important appointment in the educational world shortly after the war broke out and obtained a Commission in the Dorsetshire Regiment with which he had previously been connected in the Territorials for five years. He was afterwards transferred to the Buffs to which regiment he was attached; and had only this year proceeded to France after a long period of army work at home. He was born at Bournemouth and at an early age removed to Blandford. He was educated at the Blandford Secondary School and in early years showed great promise. At the annual speech day he was always among the prize winners. Before leaving the school he passed the Oxford Senior Local Examination in honours and also matriculated at London University. He continued his education at the Hartley University College Southampton at which he held an Exhibition and finally obtained at London University his degree of Bachelor of Science (Honours in Geology). He was a diligent scholar and highly esteemed by all his fellow pupils. From London University he went to University College Galway where he commenced his teaching career as Professor of Geology he was also a Science Examiner for the University of Ireland. The deepest sympathy is felt with Mr and Mrs Durdle and family and with the deceased officer’s wife and child in their great loss.
