NAVAL HERO OF THE WAR

Dominion, Volume 11, Issue 149, 13 March 1918, Page 6

NAVAL HERO OF THE WAR

o—: LIEUT-COMMANDEK SANDERS TRIBUTE FROM THE ADMIRALTY. Further details of the exploits of the late Lieutenant-Commander W. E. Sanders, V.C., D.5.0., have been received by his father. Mr. Edward H. C. Sunders, of Takapuna, in a communication from the British Admiralty. Mr. Sanders told a "Herald" representative that the letter was confidential, and he had not shown it even to relatives, but he thought he was not committing a breach of confidence if ho said that, after referring to his sou's death, the letter concluded '• leaving his name to be inscribed imperishably on the same roll of naval history where stand the names, of Blake, Nelson, and Riou." Mr. Sanders said that, judging from the letter, his son must have displayed bravery of an extraordinary nature. Mr. Sanders mentioned that he had recently received a letter from the Adni'rnlty representative of the Imperial War Museum, asking for a photo of his son. as. it was intended to have a nortrait painted bv the famous artist. M. Ambrose M'Evoy, and hung in the hall of honour of the museum mentioned. With pardonable pride, Mr. Sanders showed the .letters ho had received from the King and Queen and Admiral .Tellicoe. One letter, in which the. King expressed recret that the gallant oflicor'n death had prevented him from presenting the Victoria Cross in person, was signed by His Majesty personally: Tho letter was wrapped ill tissue paper, and delivered in a special mail has, sealed with the King's sen). A letter received bv Mr. Sanders from Lord Jell'coe, dated August _ 3p 1P1.7, read as follows"Dear Sir.Will you nleasc accept my deep sympathy at the loss you have sustained i'' the death of your gallant son. I have greatly admired his bravery on the occasion of his previous fight with The enemy, and it was a pleasure to see him -after U'et he 'visited the Admiralty. Although there is no one living to tell the story, I have no doubt that lie and all those under his command died figbtimr with the utmost gallantry, and all who are aware'of tho circumstances deplore the loss of such a brave man. At the end of the war I hope to send you some photographs which I know will be of interest to you, and which T feel quite sure you will keep as heirlooms in your family. With my. heartfelt regret at the less of so brave a man and' so good an officer, believe me, yours, sincerely, John Jellicoe." Another letter was from the Lords of the Admiralty, through tho Secretary. It read as follows: "In confirmation of the Admiralty telegram, I am commanded to inform that a telegram has been received stating that vour son, Lieutenant-Commander William B. Sanders, V.C., R.N.R., was killed on August 14, 1917, as a result of tho ves'sel on which lie was serving being blown up. . • "My Lords of the Admiralty, deeply deplore tho death of this, gallant officer, whoso services against the enemy submarines have been of such value to the Empire, and they desire me to assure you of their profound sympathy in the loss you. have- sustained. "Since the award of the \ictona Cross to your son in recognition of his conspicuous gallantry, consummate skill aud coolness while in command of one of His Majesty's ships in action, the King had also approved ot his appointment to be a Companion of the Distinguished Order in recognition of Ids services in action with an enemy submarine on June 12. This award has not been gazetted, but the announcement will be made shortly. The letter added that arrangements would be made for the presentation of tho two decorations to Mr. Sanders, sen., in New Zealand. At Milford Haven, England, a service in memory of the famous officer was held, and a memorial tablet placed in tho church. A movement is on foot to. have a monument erected in Takapuna, provided a suitable site can be secured.