Born Frederick James Roy Darke in Campbelltown in 1897, the left winger from the Granville Rechabites club, served with distinction, winning the Military Medal for actions taken at Le Verguier in France in September 1918. His citation read:
During the advance on the 18th September, 1918, near LE VERGUIER, considerable confusion and loss of direction occurred on account of the enemy wire and thick haze. In endeavouring to keep touch with the right flank the men became scattered and were getting disorganised. Realising the danger Sergeant DARKE went forward collected the scattered elements including men belonging to other Units, and moving about with great energy organised them into a Platoon. he led this composite party to the objective, regained touch with both flanks and gave a wonderful example of leadership, coolness and contempt for danger
Enlisting in August of 1915, the eldest of 6 rose to the rank of Lieutenant with the 13th Infantry Battalion 8th AIF Reinforcements.
Upon his return, Fred again picked up the game with Rechabites, while his eldest brother Reg became a distinguished goalkeeper with the Granville Magpies, playing alongside 1922 Socceroo Bill Dane. Darke married Nancy Jones in 1923 and lived all of his married life in Granville.
After the death of his beloved wife he moved to Manly and lived with his son in the Manly area where he lived out his life, passing away in 1974 at the age of 77.Â