William Edward Sanders

William Edward Sanders became New Zealand's only naval Victoria Cross recipient through extraordinary courage while commanding a disguised submarine-hunting vessel during the First World War. Born in Auckland on 7 February 1883, he gained extensive experience in merchant sailing ships and wartime troop transports before joining the Royal Naval Reserve in April 1916.

After minesweeping duties in the English Channel, Sanders volunteered for service aboard Q-ships, armed vessels disguised as harmless merchantmen to lure German submarines into close-range combat. Serving as second in command of HMS Helgoland, he experienced submarine attacks on 7 September and 24 October 1916. In early 1917 he took command of HMS Prize, a three-masted schooner concealing naval guns.

On 30 April 1917, Prize encountered U-93 south-west of Ireland. As the submarine shelled his damaged ship, Sanders kept his guns concealed, reassuring his crew and waiting for the enemy to approach. Once the submarine came within close range, Prize raised the White Ensign and opened fire, inflicting serious damage. The Germans appeared to have lost their submarine, but U-93 subsequently returned to port. Sanders, an Acting Lieutenant at the time, received the Victoria Cross for his courage, composure and skill in command.

On 12 June 1917, Sanders commanded Prize during another engagement with a German submarine. His conduct earned him the Distinguished Service Order, announced after his death.

During his final patrol, Prize operated alongside the British submarine HMS D6. On 13 August 1917, Prize encountered UB-48 and engaged it before the submarine submerged. In the early hours of 14 August, UB-48 torpedoed and destroyed Prize, killing Sanders and all aboard.

Sanders is remembered for his leadership in the hazardous anti-submarine campaign. His Victoria Cross and Distinguished Service Order are preserved at Auckland War Memorial Museum, and his legacy endures through memorials in New Zealand and Britain.

Official Victoria Cross citation:

In recognition of his conspicuous gallantry, consummate coolness, and skill in command of one of H.M. ships in action.