George Sanders

From Alf Askin's research notes

Reproduced as Alf wrote it, c. 2000–2005. Spelling and abbreviations are his own.

SANDERS, George. (reg No. 1103).

Corporal. 1st/7th Battalion. West Yorkshire Regiment.

London Gazetted on 9th September 1916.

VC Medal's Custodian unknown.

Born on 8th July 1894 at New Wortley, Leeds, Yorkshire.

Died on 4th April 1950 at Leeds, Yorkshire.

Memorial at Cottingly Crematorium, Leeds.

Digest of Citation reads: Corporal Sanders, and a party of 30 men, found themselves isolated after an advance into the enemy trenches at Thiepval, France, on 1st July 1916. Organising his defences, he detailed a bombing party, informing his men that it was their duty to hold the position. The following morning, he repulsed an attack by the enemy, at the same time rescuing some prisoners that had been in enemy hands. Two strong enemy bombing attacks were forced to retire. They were relieved the next day after Corporal Sanders had shown great courage, determination and excellent leadership throughout the 36 trying hours. Throughout this time, his party had received no food or water, having given all their water to the wounded men on the first night. He brought the remaining 19 of his party back to our trenches.

Additional information:. He attended an Investiture at Buckingham Palace on 15th November 1916 where he was presented with the Victoria Cross by King George V. He was given a commission in the 2nd Prince of Wales' Own West Yorkshire Regiment and was attached to the 1st/6th Battalion. Captain Sanders also held the Military Cross for services at Kemmel Hill in April 1918 where he was taken prisoner of war. He was posted missing. He was repatriated on 26th December 1918, leaving the Army on 20th March 1919.

SANDERS, William Edward. (reg No. 1104 *) Lieutenant. Royal Naval Reserve.

London Gazetted on 22nd June 1917.

VC Medal's Custodian is the Auckland Museum, Auckland, New Zealand.

Born on 7th February 1883 at Auckland, New Zealand.

Died at sea on 14th August 1917 when HMS Prize was sunk by a German submarine.

Memorials on Plymouth Naval Memorial, HQ Dunedin RSA, New Zealand. Also remembered by New Zealand's premier sailing trophy, the Sanders Cup.

Digest of Citation reads: Approximately 180 miles south of Ireland, Lieutenant Sanders was commanding HMS Prize, a 'Q' Ship (Mystery ship)** disguised as a three-masted top-sail schooner when she was badly damaged when attacked by a German U-boat. The Panic Party had taken to the boats and HMS Prize appeared to be sinking. When the U-boat approached her port quarter and was within 80 yards, the White Ensign was hoisted and HMS Prize opened fire. Within minutes fire broke out on board the submarine, her bows rising into the air.

* Register records this VC at 1100.

** A Warship disguised as a harmless or innocent trading vessel. The 'Panic Party' would put out in boats to give the impression that the ship was sinking. The gun crews would hide on board by lying flat on the deck, or under cover, until the order was given to raise the White Ensign and open fire on the enemy ship. Further research required