“Rocky” Sanders as he was known was initially recommended by Lieut.-Col. A. W. N. L. Vickers on the 2nd December 1944 for an immediate Distinguished Conduct Medal but this was later changed by the awarding body to an immediate Military Medal.

Military Medal (London Gazette date 22nd March 1945)

Citation:

“Throughout the operations from 18th November to 23rd November this NCO commanded his platoon with conspicuous coolness and gallantry. In the attack on the Woods to the East of GILRATH, he showed great determination and dash in dealing with enemy small arms at very close range in thick wood. His coolness and determination in leadership resulted in his Platoon pushing a steady unfaltering advance to this objective through thick wood. By skilful and very aggressive use of his Platoon weapons, he inflicted heavy casualties on the enemy and took some twenty prisoners. In the advance from the wood to TRIPSRATH, the Company was subjected to heavy and accurate shelling in the vicinity of RISCHDEN from enemy S.P. guns. Here Sergeant SANDERS showed great coolness and skilfully disposed his Platoon with the result that in spite of heavy shelling his Platoon suffered no casualties.

Later in the occupation and holding of TRIPSRATH, he showed throughout the very heavy shelling experienced there, the same coolness and devotion to duty. His personal example at all times was an inspiration to his men and maintained their morale at a high level.”

Background:

Alfred Sanders was born in Pershore, Worcestershire on 4th July 1913. He enlisted into The Worcestershire Regiment in 1939 and, following recruit training, joined the 1st Battalion. Whilst with the Battalion, he served in North Africa where he avoided being captured at Tobruk because he was sick in hospital. He then joined the re-formed 1st Battalion and served with them in North West Europe.

On demobilisation in 1946, he worked for Evesham Rural District Council until his retirement and was a well-known, respected and popular figure throughout the area. In later years, he was a keen gardener. He died at Evesham, Worcestershire, on 31st May 2005 aged 91.

Sgt. A. L. Sanders