DEATH OF AUCKLAND V.C.
LIEUTENANT-COMJUNDEPv SANDERS. Private advice has been received by Mr. 71. H. C. Sanders, of Takapuna, says the Auckland "Herald," that his son, Lieutenant-Commander William Edward Sanders, Y.C., had been killed in the, North Sea. No details of the casualty were given. Lieutenant-Commander Sanders, who was the second Aucklander to be awarded a V.C. in the present war, was born 35 years ago. After nassing through the Nelson Street School he commenced a sea career on the small steamer Kapanni, engaged in coastal trade from Auckland. Next he joined the Government steamer Hinemoa, passing from her to the Craig Line of sailing vessels. He was h'wt mate of the Joseph Craig when slie was wrecked on the Kaipara Bar. the entire crew having a narrow escape from death. Proceeding to Sydney he passed for extra master and joined the Union Steam Ship Company. He served for about a year with the Union Line on the Willoohra and the Tofna. _ Jlr. Sunders offered his services to thn Admiralty on the outbreak of war. but was not called upon for service for 18 months.- Proceeding to England, he was appointed to a warship ns sub-lieuteianh Promotion to the rank of lieutenant-com-mander came quickly, and he was twice recommended for distinction while serving on a fast patrol vessel. On February 15, 1917. he was tfven command of a na'trol boat, and at the end of June came the announcement of tho a.waTd of the Victoria • Cross, "Lieu tenant-Commander Sanders thus being the first New Zeal'nwlcr to rain, us a "aval officer, the highest British decoration for gallantry aivl devotion to duty. 'Letters received show that the late officer had been engaged in a number nf minor operations, for several nt wliicl) •ir> wns rprnmmenitol for decoration and for promotion. Writing on May 10 of this rear, he said:-"I can give you, no names, but it will give you some idea when I tell you we were only SO yards apart. Wp are badlv holed, and our internal fittings are all smashed up. but tii» enemy is no more." ,In the last letter received by his mi-oi-U TiieiitepanWoTninnnrtor numters stated that ho had had another strenuous time, bavin- ?one for five weeks without takih? off his clothe*.
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Dominion, Volume 10, Issue 3169, 21 August 1917, Page 4
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376DEATH OF AUCKLAND V.C. Dominion, Volume 10, Issue 3169, 21 August 1917, Page 4
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