Bradford war veteran William Darlington turns 100

William Darlington, of Bradford, turned 100 today (November 3) and will soon be celebrating Remembrance Day with the rest of the country.

Born in Bootle near Liverpool on November 3, 1923, Mr Darlington spoke with the T&A about his lengthy service in World War II.

William Darlington, 100, with his medals from World War II. (Image: Newsquest)

He joined the Home Guard at Bootle at the age of 16 on November 3, 1939, and a year later joined the Royal Navy.

“I didn’t join up to sit at a desk,” quipped Mr Darlington, who went on to serve at Dunkirk and the Battle of Britain and was part of invasions and defences in countries and islands such as Algiers, Malta, Sicily, Italy, Corsica, Anzio, Elba and Greece.

“I received a King’s Badge, which is only given to those injured in the line of duty,” said Mr Darlington who suffered a perforated eardrum when a shell exploded near him at Salerno.

William Darlington, 100, was a commando in the Combined Forces. (Image: Newsquest)

Mr Darlington served in the Royal Navy but also served as a commando in the Combined Forces, a precursor to the SAS.

His seven years of service, which ended when he was discharged on August 3, 1946, saw him earn a number of prestigious medals.

William Darlington earned a number of prestigious medals in the Second World War. (Image: Newsquest)

But one of the most special medals was given to him in Malta doing something that he said he “would never forget”.

“I saved quite a few people’s lives during the war," he said.

“I was serving on a LCT26 landing craft in the harbour of Gozo, an island near Malta.

“There were three kids, they must have been about 12 years old, swimming and playing in the water when they got into difficulty.

“I saw them from the ship so I jumped into the water to save them.

“The people of Gozo gave me a badge as a thank you.”

William Darlington earned this badge when he saved three children on the island of Gozo. (Image: Newsquest)

However, Mr Darlington was humble and said he was part of a “good crew” of men.

“None of us were heroes, we just did our duty when it came to it," he said.

One of his five children, Ronnie Darlington, said of his dad’s wartime heroics: “I have extreme pride in him. To go through what he’s been through is amazing.”

His granddaughter, Stacey Bolter, said: “Listening to his stories is insider’s history and is something that you just wouldn’t get out of books.”

When asked what his secret was to him reaching 100 years old, Mr Darlington explained: “In the Navy they give you a ration of rum to calm nerves. And I’ve drunk a glass of rum every day since the age of 17.”