William Saunders MM

Rank:

Sergeant

Regimental number:

164339

Unit at enlistment:

84th Battalion

Force:

C.E.F.

Volunteered or conscripted:

Volunteered

Survived the war:

Yes

Awards or decorations:

Military Medal

Birth country:

England

Birth county:

Sussex

Birth city:

Brighton

Address at enlistment:

1 Cockshutt Lane, Brantford, Ontario

Next of kin address:

1 Cockshutt Lane, Brantford, Ontario

Trade or calling:

Woodworker

Religious denominations:

Salvation Army

Marital status:

Married

Age at enlistment:

Gallantry medals:

Yes

Letters and documents

Awards and decorations

London Gazette: 30364
Date: November 2, 1917
Honour or Award: Military Medal
Authority: R.O. 1434, Watson, September 4, 1917
Name: Saunders, William (164339)
Unit: 75th Battalion

Details: For gallant service and leadership in pushing out outposts and raiding enemy craters. He proved himself to be an excellent organizer in sniping and posting his snipers where they were able to account for 8 enemy casualties, besides many other hits which were not corroborated, on the 4th instant. He continued to visit his outposts under intense enemy machine gun fire and displayed the greatest courage and cheerfulness in keeping his men wide awake and alert for enemy movements. Although his Platoon was out of the line, he volunteered to lead one of the raiding parties and undoubtedly saved a section.

BX September 29, 1917

Military Medal for Local Man – Sergeant William Saunders Recognized for Conspicuous Bravery at Lens

The Military Medal has been awarded to Sergt. William Saunders, of this city, a member of the 75th Battalion, for his bravery in the recent fighting at Lens, where the Canadians distinguished themselves.

Writing to Mrs. Saunders telling her of the honor bestowed on her husband, Lt.-Col. C.C. Harbottle, officer commanding the battalion writes:

Lance-Sergt. William Saunders has been awarded the Military Medal for conspicuous bravery and courage in action during the attack on the enemy trenches and outposts on the outskirts of Lens. I sincerely trust that it will be your good fortune to congratulate your husband personally on his return home after the war is ended. Please accept my congratulations.

Since he was awarded the medal, Lance-Sergt., Saunders has been promoted and he is now Sergt. Saunders. He enlisted as a private here with the 84th Battalion, and won his stripes on the field. He was an employee of the Adams Wagon Works before enlistment.