| Sanders | Gilbert Edward | | Major | SANDERS, GILBERT EDWARD, Major, was born at Fort Yale, British Columbia, 25 December 1863, eldest son of E H Sanders, Judge of County Courts, British Columbia. He was educated at King Alfred's School, Wantage, and at the Royal Military College, Kingston; entered the Royal North-West Mounted Police in 1884, as Inspector, and subsequently was appointed Superintendent. He assisted in quelling the Riel Rebellion, 1885 (Medal); served in the South African War, 1899-1900, in command of a squadron of Canadian Mounted Rifles, and was present at operations in the Orange Free State, February to May 1900; operations in the Transvaal in May and June 1900, including actions near Johannesburg, Pretoria and Diamond Hill (11 and 12 June); operations in the Transvaal, east of Pretoria, July to 29 November 1900, including action at Reit Vlei; operations in Cape Colony, south of Orange River, 1899-1900. He was twice wounded; was mentioned in Despatches [London Gazette, 10 September 1901], received the Queen's Medal with four clasps, and — for saving the life of Sergeant Tryon, whom he brought into safety on his own horse, under heavy fire — was created a Companion of the Distinguished Service Order [London Gazette, 27 September 1901]: "Gilbert Edward Sanders, Major, Canadian Contingent. In recognition of services during the operations in South Africa". The Insignia, Warrant, etc, were sent to South Africa, and presented at Regina 6 June 1902. Lieutenant Colonel Sanders served in the European War, 1915-17, in France; was mentioned in Despatches, and created a CMG in 1917. He was Police Magistrate at Calgary. His favourite recreation was golf. He married Caroline, second daughter of Dr Jukes, and they had two daughters.
Source: DSO recipients (VC and DSO Book) |
