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Auction: 24112 - Orders, Decorations and Medals - e-Auction
Lot: 422

(x) An 'escaper's' group of six awarded to Captain H. W. Sanders, Indian Army Service Corps, who earned a rare 'mention' for Waziristan 1924 only to be taken prisoner of war in Libya during the Second World War before successfully escaping to Switzerland from a camp in Italy

India General Service 1908-35, 2 clasps, Afghanistan N.W.F. 1919, Waziristan 1921-24, with M.I.D. oak leaves (Capt H. W. Sanders I. A. S. C.); 1939-45 Star; Africa Star; Burma Star; War Medal 1939-45; Indian Service Medal 1939-45, overall very fine (6)

M.I.D. London Gazette 18 November 1924.

Hubert Wilfred Sanders was born on 1 March 1895 at Barnstaple Devon, the son of William and Georgina Sanders. He was first commissioned on 5 October 1917 into the Indian Army Reserve of Officers attached to the Supply and Transport Corps. Promoted to Lieutenant on 5 October 1918 and Captain on 24 April 1923, Sanders served in Afghanistan N.W.F. 1919 and Waziristan 1923-24, being mentioned in despatches in the latter.

Promoted to Major on 24 April 1936, he served as Officiating Deputy Assistant Director of Supplies at Delhi, 1936-38.

Sanders served in the Second World War with the Royal Indian Army Service Corps and was taken prisoner on 8 April 1941 at El Michele, Libya. Interned in Italy at camp PG 29 Veano, he escaped to Switzerland arriving there on 30 October 1943.

Promoted to Lieutenant-Colonel on 24 April 1944, Sanders was appointed the Assistant Director of Supplies and Transport with the Joint Chiefs of Staff Mission to Australia from December 1945 to his retirement in September 1947; sold together with copied research.

National Archives Reference: WO 208/4268/103 for details of his escape from captivity.

Subject to 5% tax on Hammer Price in addition to 20% VAT on Buyer’s Premium.

Sold for
£400

Starting price
£170