Sergeant Darcy Tedford
Sergeant Darcy Tedford
Sergeant Darcy Scott Tedford CD, was born in August 1974 in Calgary, Alberta to parents Robin and Paulette Tedford. In 1976, Darcy, his older brother Joseph (AKA Jody) and his parents moved to Debert, Nova Scotia. As a teenager, Darcy developed an interest in judo and quickly became a provincial level competitor. He graduated from North Colchester High School in June 1992.
He enrolled in the Navy as a Naval Electronics Technician (Tactical) in August 1992. On completion of recruit training at Canadian Forces Base Cornwallis in November 1992, he was posted to the Canadian Forces Naval Engineering School Detachment in St John’s, Newfoundland.
On completion of Sea Qualifications training he was posted to Canadian Forces Base Halifax and served on Her Majesty’s Canadian Ship SKEENA until November 1993. In January 1994 Darcy met Charmaine Organ in St John’s, Newfoundland.
In November 1994, Sgt Tedford transferred to the Army and was posted to Canadian Forces Base Petawawa. Upon completion of his Infantry Trade Qualification 3, he was posted to Delta Company of the 1st Battalion Royal Canadian Regiment (1 RCR).
Sgt Tedford was promoted to Corporal in August 1996. In July 1997 he married Charmaine in St Alban’s, Newfoundland. From January to July 1998 he deployed to Bosnia-Herzegovina with the Task Force Bosnia-Herzegovina Infantry Battle Group as a Radio Rebroadcast Station Detachment Member.
Upon his return he was employed as the Commanding Officer’s driver. From March to May 1999 he completed his Junior Leadership Course and his Army Junior Non-Commissioned Officer Course.
On 19 November 1999, Darcy and Charmaine gave birth to their first daughter, Kaeleigh Michelle Tedford. From December 1999 to May 2000 Sgt Tedford deployed to Kosovo with the Task Force Kosovo Infantry Battle Group as a Liaison Officer Detachment Commander. Upon his return, he was employed as the Charles Company Signaller.
Promoted to Master-Corporal in May 2001, Sgt Tedford instructed at the 1 RCR Battle School from April to July 2001. On 26 September 2001, Darcy and Charmaine were once again blessed with the arrival of their second daughter, Julia Elizabeth Tedford. From August 2003 to February 2004 he deployed to Kabul, Afghanistan with the Task Force Kabul Battle Group as a Company Commander’s Signaller.
Upon his return, he was appointed as a Section Second in Command within Bravo Company. In August 2005, he was appointed as a Section Commander within Charles Company. From October to November 2005 he completed his Infantry Section Commander training.
Sgt Tedford was promoted to his current rank in November of 2005. In August 2006, he deployed to Kandahar, Afghanistan as a Section Commander with the Task Force Afghanistan Battle Group.
Sgt Tedford is remembered as quietly confident and trusted for wise advice. Darcy was a dedicated leader who earned respect among his peers, always placing the needs of his soldiers before his own. To his fellow “Black Sheep” section comrades, he will always be remembered as "Bo Peep".
An avid outdoorsman, Sgt Tedford particularly enjoyed hunting and fishing. He is buried in the National Military Cemetery in Ottawa and is survived by his wife Charmaine and their two daughters, Kaeleigh and Julia.