Regimental Sergeant Major 48th Highlanders of Canada (1999-2002)

Brigade Sergeant Major 32 Canadian Brigade Group      (2006-2008)

Land Forces Area Central Sergeant Major (Reserve)      (2010-2014)

William Darling joined in 1979 as a Gunner with 2 Field Royal Canadian Artillery, located in Montreal, Quebec.  In 1982 he relocated to Toronto, Ontario, re-mustered Infantry and joined The 48th Highlanders of Canada, becoming the Regiment’s first 4th generation Highlander. The Darling family has served the Regiment continuously from 1896 to present day with his Great-Grandfather, Great-Great-Uncle, Grandfather, 3 Great-Uncles and his Uncle all serving as Officers. Bill’s 2 brothers also served in the Regiment. His cousin Sasha was appointed as Honorary Lieutenant Colonel 2020.

In 1983 while a section commander, he was awarded the Regiment’s Eaton Trophy as the Top Jr. NCO and in 1984 was appointed Master Corporal. After a 2 year attachment to the Militia Training Centre at CFB Borden he returned to service with the Regiment in 1987 having been promoted to Sergeant in 1986. Sgt Darling was awarded the Eaton Trophy for a second time in 1988 as the Regiment’s Top Sr. NCO, the first NCO in Regimental history to be awarded both the Top Jr. and Sr. NCO awards. He continued to serve the Regiment in a variety capacities including Platoon 2I/C, Company Transport Sergeant, Company Quarter Master Sergeant, Company Sergeant Major and Regimental Training NCO, earning promotion to Warrant Officer in 1990 and to Master Warrant Officer in 1996. After serving as a CSM at the 32 Canadian Brigade Group Battle School,  he was appointed the Regiment’s Drill Sergeant Major. In 1999 he was promoted to the rank of CWO and appointed Regimental Sergeant Major of the 48th Highlanders of Canada.   When Chief Warrant Officer Darling relinquished the appointment of RSM in 2002, he was appointed the RSM of 32 CBG Battle School, a position he held until 2005.  In 2005, CWO Darling deployed on Op Boreas to Bosnia Herzegovina as the 2I/C of the European Union’s Multi National Task Force (North-West) Liaison and Observation Team Detachment in Sanski Most.  Upon his return he was appointed the Brigade Sergeant Major of 32 CBG in 2006 a position he held until 2008 when he was appointed Land Forces Central Area Sergeant Major (Reserve).  In 2010 he was appointed Canadian Army and Doctrine Training Centre (CADTC) as CADTC Sergeant Major (Reserves). On completion of that appointment in 2014 Bill chose to return to his Regiment and was commissioned in the rank of Captain.  Serving as Adjutant and  Officer Commanding Support Company until he retired during  in Fall 2021.