A NEW ZEALAND NAVAL HERO.

Taranaki Daily News, 10 May 1918, Page 2

A NEW ZEALAND NAVAL HERO.

SWOKD OF HONOUR ARRIVES. Appreciation of the deeds that rank the late Lieutenant-Commander W. B. Sanders, y.C., D.5.0., H.NJR., amongst the greatest of naval heroes continue to be received by Ms relatives, states the Auckland "Star." Tlie latest is the sword of lionor, which now rests in the home of a married sister, Mrs C. Keith, Edendale. It is of the orthodox naval pattern, straight with a brass hilt, a lion's liead at the top and an anchor on the outside where the knuckles would touch. The sword is enclosed in a loose-ly-fitting leather case, with, the initials "W.E.S." in black at tho top, The inscription on the sword reads: "Presented to Lieutenant-Commander W. E. Sanders, V.C., K.N.R., by bis brother officers, Milford-Haven Base, April 30, 1917." Particulars of a memorial tablet in art bronze which has been placed in an institute at Milford Haven i 9 supplied by Mrs Keith. The information was contained in a letter written to Mrs E. J. Sanders, by the Rev Edmund J. Howells, 8.D., vicar of Melford Haven, but Mrs Sandeis had died some months previously, so it remained for Sirs Keith to open the letter. Written on the official writing paper of St. Andrew's Waterside Church Mission (Milford Haven Branch), it reads:— "I ajn writing as vicar of Milford Haven to offer you on behalf of the town our sincere sympathy at the loss you have sustained at the death of your gallant son. He stayed at the institute when ashore, and I had frequent opportunities of meeting him, and I know of no ono for whom I had deeper respect and regard than I had for him. His quiet, gentle, and unassuming manner marked him out as a true gentleman, and his heroic deeds speak for themselves as the work of a great soldier. His death was deeply felt by all connected with the town and naval base. In fact, we could hardly talk about it, s» great was the grief we all felt. Our new hall attached to this institute is about to be opened, and Ave are having a very beautiful memorial tablet in art bronze, with his photograph inserted, placed in his memory. When in position I will get a photograph taken and send it on to yon. Again please acceDt my deepest sympathy. Your gallant son died a heroic death, and though the blow may be a heavy one I feel you must bo proud of being the mother of such a noble son. We had a very beautiful memorial service for your son and other members of the crew in the parish church." The vicar's signature was attached to the letter. Writing to Mrs Keith shortly after he had been promoted to LieutenantCommander, and had been awarded the V.C., the naval hero stated that the New Zealand Government, were to be given a painting of the ship in remembrance of the day.