Sir Henry Clayton Darlington (1877–1959) was the quintessential citizen-soldier. A Wigan solicitor by profession, his life was defined by a profound sense of duty and a distinguished military career that long predated the Great War.
Commissioned into the volunteers in 1897, Darlington’s early military life saw him decorated for his service in the Boer War. His leadership qualities were such that he was given command of the 1/5th Battalion, The Manchester Regiment for the Great War, even though he was junior to other officers. He led his men from their initial deployment to Egypt through the maelstrom of Gallipoli, where he was briefly elevated to command the 127th (Manchester) Brigade. After being invalided home, his commitment to his men saw him return to lead them again in France.
Darlington’s dedication to service continued long after the armistice, a commitment exemplified by his post-war appointment to a committee, chaired by Winston Churchill, to discuss the reorganisation of the Territorial Force. This lifetime of service eventually earned him a knighthood. To his men, however, Colonel Darlington was simply one of the finest commanding officers they ever knew: fair, just, and always willing to lead from the front.
A full biography can be found in Letters from Helles.
