LCol Warren William Gibson (Bill) Darling, DSO ED (MID)

LCol Warren William Gibson (Bill) Darling, DSO ED (MID)

Commanding Officer 48th Highlanders (1946-49)

Commanding Officer 4th Princess Louise Dragoon Guards (1944)

Honorary Colonel, 48th Highlanders of Canada (1970-72)

Honorary Lieutenant Colonel, 48th Highlanders of Canada (1972-77)

Lt Col Warren William Gibson (Bill) Darling (son of Lt Col C.W. Darling) joined the Regiment in 1929 after graduating from Royal Military College on 28 June 1929. Before going overseas, he was with Osler and Hammond in the brokerage business.

A former Toronto Argonauts halfback, Lt Bill Darling was one of the first officers to volunteer for service with 1st Bn 48th Highlanders (CASF), volunteering on 5 Sept and promoted Captain the same day. Newly promoted Capt WWG Darling, 2iC A Company sailed onboard the Reina del Pacifico to the UK in Dec 1939. During the “Dover Dash” into France in June 1940, he was instrumental in commandeering a French train and riding the engine from Rennes to St Malo (Dileas pp 311-313). He was promoted Major on 20 June 1940 in England.

In 1941, the 4th Princess Louise Dragoon Guards (4 PLDG) was formed in the UK as the 1st Canadian Division reconnaissance regiment. Major WWG Darling was transferred to the command cadre that would form the unit and became Regimental 2iC on 22 Feb 1943. In July 44, during the battles for the LIRI VALLEY, it was decided that 4 PLDG would be converted to Infantry in order to man a second infantry brigade within 5th Division. On 17-Jul-44, LCol Bill Darling was promoted to command the new infantry battalion. He fought with the “Plugs” until he was relieved on 8-Dec-44 and was awarded the DSO for his battlefield leadership at Tomba di Pesaro on 1 September. LCol Darling was appointed CO of A Wing 1 Cdn Leave Transit Camp a position he held until 17 Jan 1946 when he was placed on the Reserve Officers Gen List. He joined the 48th Highlanders 2nd (Res) Bn four days later.

Following the Second World War, and back in Toronto, LCol Darling reverted to Major in the 48th Highlanders. He served as Commanding Officer from 1946-49. In retirement, he served as President of the Royal Canadian Military Institute, and as the Regiment’s Honorary Lieutenant Colonel (70-72) and as Honorary Colonel (72-77).

His son, LCol Robert Darling, served with the 48th Highlanders and, while serving as Deputy Commanding Officer (DCO) he had to relocate for work. Robert returned to serve as Honorary Colonel in 2005.

Colonel Bill’s granddaughter, Sasha Darling, became the Honorary Lieutenant Colonel in 2020 and Honorary Colonel in 2024 and his grandson Capt WM (Bill) Darling served as Regimental Sergeant Major.

Awards

Date

Award

Citation

Distinguished Service Order (DSO)

Granted: Immediate DSO by Field Marshal HR Alexander, CinC

On 1 September 1944, the 4 Princess Louise Dragoon Guards, commanded by Lieutenant Colonel DARLING, was ordered to attack and capture the high ground in front of TOMBA DI PESARO.

The attack went in under very adverse conditions. The battalion was heavily shelled and mortared in the forming up place and, as a result, many officers and senior Non-Commissioned Officers, as well as other ranks, became casualties. Most of the signalers were hit, with the result that communications almost ceased to exist. The battalion, made up largely of inexperienced troops and, with officers recently converted from a reconnaissance regiment who were now fighting their first infantry action, became rather disorganized.

Lieutenant Colonel DARLING, ignoring the continual shelling, machine-gun and sniper fire, visited each company in turn, urging his men on, and by sheer gallantry and personal example, led his men towards the objective. He constantly stayed with the forward elements directing the fire of the supporting tanks and artillery on to the numerous machine-gun positions. Being the outstanding figure in the attack, he was made the subject of special attention by snipers and machine-gunners. In the final assault, Lieutenant Colonel DARLING personally led remnants of two companies, some fifteen all ranks, on to the objective.

The courage, leadership, and outstanding devotion to duty of this officer set an example of the highest order to all under his command. The success of the attack was made possible by the magnificent way in which Lieutenant Colonel DARLING led his unit.

CG 3 – 20-Jan-45 page 284

1-Feb-45

Mention in Dispatches (MID)

CG 1 – 6-Jan-45 p72

LG 36917 dated 1-Feb-45 p 680

The King has been graciously pleased to approve the award of Mention in Despatches for gallant and distinguished services in Italy to Major Warren William Gibson Darling – Canadian Armoured Corps.

Awards - other

Unit(s)

Militia / Reserve Bn, 48th First Bn (WW 2)

Gallery

Data source(s)

Source

Detail

*Reinforcement Draft 10 Jun 1940

G.S.O.E 1 Cdn. Div.

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