SANDERS, WILLIAM EDWARD (1882-1917) was born in Auckland, and educated at the Nelson Street school there. He then went to sea in the steamer Karapuni in the coastal trade, and transferred to the Government steamer Hinemoa. He was later first mate in the Joseph Craig, which was wrecked at Kaipara in 1914. Sanders had gained his extra master's certificate and joined the Union Steam Ship Co. before the outbreak of the war of 1914-18, for which he volunteered forthwith. Not being accepted for eighteen months, he proceeded to England and was commissioned as a sub-lieutenant in the Royal Naval Reserve. He was promoted to lieutenant-commander and in command of a patrol launch saw much anti-submarine service. In May 1917 he was awarded the Victoria Cross for conspicuous bravery and consummate coolness and skill while in command of a vessel which was attacked by a submarine. On 12 June he was again commended, and awarded the D.S.O. for similar service. He was killed in action on 14 Aug 1917, when his ship was blown up.

London Gaz., May-Aug 1917; N.Z. Herald, 18 Aug 1917.

Portrait: National Gallery, Wellington.

Reference: Volume 2, page 140

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