Arthur Frederick Saunders facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Arthur Frederick Saunders
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|---|---|
| Born | 22 April 1878 Ipswich, Suffolk, United Kingdom |
| Died | 30 July 1947 (aged 69) Ipswich, United Kingdom |
| Buried |
Ipswich Borough Crematorium
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| Allegiance |  United Kingdom |
| Service/ |
 British Army British Army |
| Years of service | 1895–1910 (Navy) 1914–16, 1940–44 (Army) |
| Rank | Petty officer (Navy) Sergeant (Army) |
| Service number | 3/10133 |
| Unit | Royal Navy Suffolk Regiment Home Guard |
| Battles/wars | First World War |
| Awards | Victoria Cross |
Arthur Frederick Saunders (born April 22, 1878 – died July 30, 1947) was a brave English soldier. He received the Victoria Cross, which is the highest award for bravery given to British and Commonwealth soldiers. It's given for amazing courage when facing the enemy.
Contents
Early Life
Arthur Saunders was born in Ipswich, England, on April 22, 1878. He was one of 12 children! His father, Thomas Saunders, made saddles and harnesses. The family often moved and worked hard to get by. Arthur went to St John's Church of England Primary School and later California School in Ipswich.
In November 1893, Arthur joined a training ship called Warspite. This ship helped young people get ready for a career in the Merchant Navy. On February 25, 1895, just before he turned 17, he joined the Royal Navy.
On his 18th birthday, Arthur signed up to serve in the Royal Navy for 12 years. He mostly served on a ship called HMS Pembroke and at a special training school for torpedoes. He became a petty officer (Second Class). After leaving the Navy in 1908, he worked for a company that made farm equipment.
Serving in the Army
Arthur later joined the Territorial Army, which was a reserve force. When World War I started, all reservists had to join the full-time army. So, on September 19, 1914, Arthur officially became a soldier in the British Army. He went to France with the 9th Battalion of the Suffolk Regiment in August 1915.
Bravery at the Battle of Loos
Arthur's amazing bravery happened during the Battle of Loos in September 1915. This battle was fought on the Western Front in France. Arthur was 37 years old and a sergeant in the Suffolk Regiment.
On September 26, 1915, near Loos, his officer was hurt during an attack. Sergeant Saunders quickly took charge of two machine guns and a few soldiers. Even though he was badly wounded in his leg, he kept going. He followed another group of soldiers, giving them support with his machine guns.
Later, when the soldiers he was helping had to retreat, Arthur stayed with one of his guns. Despite his injury, he kept giving clear orders and firing his gun. He did his best to protect his retreating comrades.
An officer he helped, Lt Crispinson, said that a shell hit Arthur, badly injuring his leg. But Arthur kept fighting! He used a Lewis gun to stop about 150 German soldiers from advancing. The Germans were surprised to see this injured man firing at them, and they retreated.
Arthur and the officer were eventually rescued by stretcher bearers. The Victoria Cross was announced for Arthur on March 30, 1916, while he was still recovering in the hospital. It was the first Victoria Cross given to the Suffolk Regiment, which made them very proud.
Recovery and Awards
Many people thought Arthur's leg was amputated because of his severe wounds. However, this was not true. After medical care, his leg ended up being three inches shorter. He wore a special boot to help him walk.
Because of his injuries, he returned to England. He received a hero's welcome in his hometown of Ipswich on June 22, 1916. People collected money in his honor, which helped him buy a house.
King George V personally presented Arthur with his Victoria Cross on June 27, 1916, at Buckingham Palace.
Arthur left the army on November 13, 1916. He also received other medals for his service: the 1914-15 Star, the British War Medal, and the Victory Medal.
In 1920, he was given the "Freedom of the Burgh" of Ipswich, which is a special honor. In 1923, he became a Justice of the Peace, helping with local legal matters.
During World War II, Arthur served again in the 11th Suffolk Home Guard. In 1947, he was invited to a special dinner in Glasgow by the Queen's Own Cameron Highlanders. These were the soldiers he had protected back in 1915 at Loos. He was made an honorary member of their regiment.
Arthur Saunders passed away on July 30, 1947, from kidney problems. His ashes were scattered in Ipswich Cemetery.
Legacy
Arthur's Victoria Cross medal was given to the Suffolk Regiment Museum in Bury St Edmunds by his wife in 1989.
A blue plaque was put on his old home at 180 Cauldwell Hall Road in Ipswich in September 2010. This plaque remembers important people and places. There is also a memorial for him in Christchurch Park in Ipswich.
Family
On December 6, 1908, Arthur married Edith Muriel Everitt. They had three children:
- Thomas, born in 1909
- Edward, born in 1912
- Nina, born in 1923
