Edward Darby

Military career Before his airborne experience, Darby served as a gunlayer in the 5 Wing of the Royal Naval Air Service, part of which became the No. 5 Squadron RNAS on April 26, 1916. and on 19 November was appointed a probationary observer officer.

On 17 April 1918 Darby was commissioned in the newly formed Royal Air Force as a second lieutenant (observer officer). He was assigned to No. 202 Squadron RAF, formerly No. 2 Squadron RNAS, on May 9, 1917,

Darby finally left the RAF, being transferred to the unemployed list on 20 February 1919. A civil registry from 1939 lists his residence as being in Stretford and his occupation as a stone inspector.