Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

The Victory Medal awarded to Lieutenant Colonel E. Darling, D Battery, 250th Brigade, Royal Field Artillery, who was awarded the Military Cross for his gallantry on the Western Front, wounded in action on four occasions, and taken prisoner of war, all during the Great War. He served during the Second War as Camp Commandant of Bridgend POW Camp - from which at least 70 German officers staged their ‘great escape’, 11 March 1945

Victory Medal 1914-19 (Capt. E. Darling.) very fine £60-£80

M.C. London Gazette 11 May 1917:
‘For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. He carried out a dangerous reconnaissance under very difficult conditions, and obtained most valuable information. He set a fine example of courage and determination.’

M.I.D. London Gazette 18 May 1917.

Edwin Darling was the son of R. A. Darling, a Master Mariner and Harbour Master at Tweedmouth and then at Amble. He resided at Gordon House, Amble, Northumberland, and served during the Great War as a Second Lieutenant with 1st Northumbrian Brigade, Royal Field Artillery in the French theatre of war from 14 April 1915. Darling’s unit was re-designated the 250th Brigade, R.F.A. in May 1916, and he served with D Battery - the Howitzer Battery for the Brigade.

Darling was presented with an illuminated scroll by the people of Amble in recognition of his gallantry on the Western Front. The presentation of which, as well as the details behind the award of his M.C., featured several times in The Newcastle Journal throughout May 1917:

‘The Military Cross has been conferred upon Lieutenant Darling of Amble for carrying out a successful reconnaissance on the German retreat. He and one of his men crossed the Somme ahead of the infantry, and reconnoitred a large tract of country which was supposed to be occupied by the enemy. Lieutenant Darling has been three times wounded and is now in hospital in England.’

Having fully recuperated (he is recorded as being wounded in action on four occasions during the Great War), Darling returned to the front only to be taken prisoner of war during the Third Battle of the Aisne, 27 May 1918. He was repatriated, 31 December 1918, and having advanced to Captain went on to serve in Russia, 3 July 1919 - 4 October 1919 and in India (entitled to India General Service 1908-35, with ‘Waziristan 1921-24’ clasp).

Darling advanced to Major in March 1936, and served as a Senior Instructor at the Military College of Science up until September 1940. He advanced to Lieutenant Colonel in January 1943, and served as Camp Commandant at Bridgend POW Camp. Darling was present in this capacity when a ‘Great Escape’ of German POWs took place, 11 March 1945. On the latter date at least 70 German officers tunnelled out of the camp, and whilst they were all recaptured some were recorded as making it as far as Birmingham and Southampton. The escape has featured in TV documentaries and several publications.

Colonel Darling died in May 1949.

Sold with extensive copied research.