Career

Durston joined the Royal Navy in 1913 and served in the Royal Naval Air Service during the First World War. He was mentioned in despatches for services in home waters in 1917, and appointed Officer Commanding Number. 253 Squadron in June 1918.

In 1936 he was appointed Fleet Aviation Officer to the Commander-in-Chief of the Home Fleet.

He served in the Second World War as Director of Naval Company-operation and then as Air Officer Commanding Number. 18 Group. He continued his war service as Senior Air Staff Officer at Headquarters Royal Air Force Coastal Command and then as Air Officer Commanding Number.

222 Group. His last appointment was as Deputy Chief of the Air Staff from September 1945 until retiring in August 1946.