[1] Durnford served as an Ensign in the British army Corps of Royal Engineers, having signed up on 17 March 1759.

Durnford became an accomplished artist while on the Cuban campaign and engravings made from his sketches are highly valued.

[1] After the Seven Years' War Durnford was posted to the newly established British colony of West Florida, where he was appointed chief engineer and surveyor general.

His plan for the city was classic in nature, centered on two squares, one for government and one for military drill and public affairs.

Spanish forces, allied with France and the American colonial rebels, moved to capture British West Florida.

The opposing commanders carried on protracted and polite negotiations over wine and cigars, while the Spanish prepared to take the old fort.

[1] Durnford and his family returned to Britain and he carried on his military career in the 1790s, campaigning against the French forces in Martinique, Guadeloupe and St.