George Sanders VC (8th July 1894 to 4th April 1950)

Though there’s no grave to salute by I called at Cottingley Hall Cemetery in Leeds to see the lawn where soldier George’s ashes were scattered. He was awarded a basketful of medals and the main one was the Victoria Cross for bravery.

As with these brave lads they don’t publicise their deeds and little is known of early life. He was born a two miles away from this cemetery - still under the Leeds sky - and after school worked as a fitter in foundry. When World War One interrupted everyone's lives the 19-year-old enlisted for service not knowing what atrocities lay ahead. He joined the 1/7th Battalion as a corporal, West Yorkshire Regiment (The Prince of Wales's Own.)

He was sent to France to fight at the Battle of the Somme and on Saturday afternoon on 1st July 1916 the 21-year-old corporal and his battalion was ordered to advance into the Schwaben Redoubt. It had been attacked early that morning but there was fierce retaliation. The battalion surged forward to raid enemy trenches but in the melee of gun-smoke, bombs and bullets he and his 30-men team found themselves isolated. It was fight back or die a bloody death. For the next 36 hours George organised his defences, arranged a bombing party and impressed on his men that his and their duty was to hold the position at all costs. He oversaw the men drive off a ferocious enemy attack while rescuing prisoners who fell into their hands. They had no food and most water was given to the wounded. Twice they were bombed but again the battalion retaliated.

Eventually they were able to escape back to safer British lines but eleven men had died. George’s show of great courage, determination and good leadership over the last 36 hours was witnesses and he was award a Victoria Cross medal. The King pinned the medal on his chest at Buckingham Palace on 18th November 1916. Afterwards George returned to France to fight again.

Promotion came and in 1917 he graduated to Second Lieutenant in the 2nd Battalion West Yorkshire Regiment and then acting Captain. By April 1918 German Army had launched the Spring Offensive and George was fighting again at Mount Kemmel near Ypres in Belgium. The Germans arm penetrated the front line but George organised his men to hold them off from further advancement (inflicting heavy casualties.) Days later he was captured and taken prisoner. It was known he was wounded in the right arm and leg but not known if he was still alive. He was interned in Limburg POW camp and after three months managed to get a letter to his dad. As the war came to an end he was released on Boxing Day 1918 and sent back home. Aged 25 was discharged from the army in March 1919.

Only crumbs of details are known of life after the war but it's known he worked at the Meadow Lane Gasworks in Leeds. He died in St James Hospital in Leeds aged 55. He was cremated here at the crematorium where I’m stood in April 1950 (probably with full military honours.) The ashes were strewn on Lawn One (there were a few ashes on it as I strolled around it - looks like washing powder.)

I had a stroll around but a funeral going on behind the frontage meant I took few photos. I stood on Lawn One and did a hearty salute watched by a fat gasping man sat on a bench wondering what I was doing. George's Victoria Cross medal was sold at auction for £240,00. I did a salute and left.

An artist's impression of one of the battles...