WW1 PRESENTATION POCKET WATCH FROM THE CITY OF LEEDS TO GEORGE SANDERS VC.MC, LEEDS RIFLES

A WW1 Gold plated full Hunter English Lever pocket watch
Engraved inside the inner back case
To- CAPT.G.SANDERS.VC.MC.
FROM WOUNDED SOLDIERS OF LEEDS 1916.
The recipient was a resident of Leeds, West Yorkshire & was awarded the Victoria Cross for his services on the first day of the battle of the Somme 1-7-1916 whilst serving with the 7th battalion of the West Yorkshire Regiment / Leeds Rifles.
The recipients Victoria cross was published in the London gazette 9-7-1916 with the following citation.

For most conspicuous bravery. After an advance into the enemy's trenches, he found himself isolated with a party of thirty men. He organised his defences, detailed a bombing party, and impressed on his men that his and their duty was to hold the position at all costs.

Next morning he drove off an attack by the enemy and rescued some prisoners who had fallen into their hands. Later two strong bombing attacks were beaten off. On the following day he was relieved after showing the greatest courage, determination and good leadership during 36 hours under very trying conditions.

All this time his party was without food and water, having given all their water to the wounded during the first night. After the relieving force was firmly established, he brought his party, nineteen strong, back to our trenches.

He went on to be commissioned in to the 2nd battalion and awarded the Military Cross with the following citation
For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. After the enemy had penetrated the front line, he promptly organised his men in support and effectually held up the enemy for some time, inflicting heavy casualties. He stood on top of a "pill-box" firing his revolver into the enemy at 20 yards. His splendid example of courage did much to inspire his men at a critical time

He was taken prisoner of war (POW) on 25 April and listed as wounded and missing with injuries to both his right arm and leg, last seen carrying his revolver in his left hand. Sanders was interned at the Limburg POW camp. In July he managed to get a letter to his father telling of his capture and captivity. On 26 December Captain Sanders was sent back to England, and he was discharged in March 1919.

In later life he was a prominent Leeds Rifles personality & attended a number of well publicized reunions & functions & passed away age 55 in Leeds in 1950

The watch itself is a non runner & would need specialist attention by a watchmaker. It is however in superb condition & is free from any other damage

Code: 59021