Pte. Aleck C.V. Darling 3060962

Drafted/1^st Depot Battalion Eastern Ontario Regiment

Regimental Number 3060962

Alex* Clarence Vivian Darling was born Hall’s Glenn, Dummer Township, on March 3rd, 1894 to parents Frank and Margaret “Maggie” Darling (ne. Bell).  The family farmed in the northern part of the township until moving to Peterborough sometime around 1901, when Frank took work as an agent in the city.

Aleck was living with his parents in the city of Peterborough when he was drafted under the Military Service Act.  He reported on October 4^th, 1917 for a medical inspection in that city.  He was 23 years old, stood 5 feet 4 inches tall, and weighed 120 pounds.   He had a dark complexion, brown eyes and hair and sported a small scar on the point of his chin.  He was a Methodist and a photographer by occupation. He was single and had one year’s previous service with the 57^th Peterborough Regiment of militia.  He was considered class A.2 and acceptable for overseas service.  It is important to note that Aleck’s older brother, Norman, was killed in France less than 2 years previous.

Darling was called up and assigned to A Company of the 1^st Depot Battalion Eastern Ontario Regiment at Barriefield Camp, Kingston on October 15^th 1918. He spent 39 days training at the Camp, during which time he fell quite ill with influenza and pleural-pneumonia.  By the time Darling recovered the war had ended.

He was discharged in good health on November 23^rd 1918 to resume his civil occupation as his services were no longer required.  He continued to work as a photographer and later married Pearl Burnham of Peterborough on September 17^th 1923.  Aleck died in 1960.

*Alex was the name on the official birth register, though he would sign Aleck on many official documents later in life.

Sources

Archives of Ontario. Registrations of Births and Stillbirths – 1869-1913. Series: MS929;   Reel: 123.   Toronto, Ontario, Canada:Archives of Ontario. P.68.

LAC. Census of Canada, 1901. Ottawa, Ontario, Canada: 2004. Census  Place: Peterborough (Town/Ville), Peterborough (west/ouest), Ontario; Page: 3; Family No: 22

LAC. Census of Canada, 1911. Ottawa, Ontario, Canada: 2007. Census Place: 25 - Peterborough, Peterborough West, Ontario; Page: 13; Family No: 143

Archives of Ontario Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Registrations of Marriages, 1869-1928;  Series: MS932; Reel: 658  P.81. Library & Archives Canada The Military Service File of Aleck V. Darling.  Ottawa, Ontario. RG 150, Accession 1992-93/166, Box 2297-16-36. NO.346894.

LAC. Sixth Census of Canada, 1921. Ottawa, Ontario, Canada: Library and Archives   Canada, 2013. Series RG31. Statistics Canada Fonds.  Reference Number: RG 31;   Folder Number: 82; Census Place: Peterboro (City), Peterborough West, Ontario; Page Number: 12