A Great War 1917 ‘French theatre’ M.M. awarded to Sergeant H. C. Saunders, 47th Battalion (British Columbia), Canadian Infantry, who was later commissioned in the British Columbia Regiment and transferred to the Royal Flying Corps. Saunders served on the Western Front as a Sopwith Camel pilot with 46 Squadron, and was killed in action as a result of aerial combat near Epehy, 18 September 1918

Military Medal, G.V.R. (629366 Sjt: H. C. Saunders. 47th/Can: Inf:) nearly very fine £400-£500

Dix Noonan Webb, September 2013.

M.M. London Gazette 19 November 1917.

The original recommendation states: ‘This N.C.O. led his platoon into action when his Officer became wounded. He was in charge of the left flank of his company during six counter attacks. By skilfully organising rifle grenades and bombing sections and exercising proper fire control, and by his own example, courage and initiative his platoon inflicted heavy casualties on the enemy.’

Herbert Clement Saunders was born in Kingston, Ontario, Canada in August 1885. He was the son of Doctor H. J. Saunders, and was employed as a Civil Engineer prior to the war. Saunders attested for the Canadian Expeditionary Force in June 1915, and served with the 47th Battalion (British Columbia), Canadian Infantry in the French theatre of war (entitled to Great War pair). He advanced to Sergeant, and subsequently served with the 72nd Battalion (Seaforth Highlanders of Canada), before being commissioned into the British Columbia Regiment and transferring to the Royal Flying Corps, 11 March 1918.

Saunders was posted for operational service as a pilot with 46 Squadron (Sopwith Camels) and reported missing in action, 18 September 1918. Lieutenant Saunders was later confirmed as a killed in action as a result of an aerial combat east of Hesbecourt near Epehy, when he was seen going down in flames at 11.50 am. He is buried in Templeux-le-Guerard British Cemetery, Somme, France.

Sold with copied service papers.