| Rank | AC 2, Squadron Leader, DFC/F.O. |
| Service # | Unknown |
| Unit # | Royal Canadian Air Force #10 Bomber Squadron |
The son of Mr. and Mrs. Percy H. Sanderson of Bentpath, R.R.1 Dresden. The brother of Glenn (RCAF). James received his education in the Dresden Continuation School and the Petrolia High School. The brother of Sgt. Donald and LAC Glen.
He enlisted in the RCAF 30 September, 1940. He was sent to Sky Harbour, Godtich< ON. for training and he received his wings at Brantford in July 1941. He was then stationed at Patricia Bay, Vancouver from 27th July to 14 November, 1941. Grom there he was assigned to Gander Newfoundland.For some time he was an instructor in the Liberator Bomber School in Vancouver. After that he was sent overseas.
The DT 12/08/43 reported that Flt. Lieut Sanderson was spending a furlough with his parents in Dresden.
Served in North Atlantic Command, based Gander, Newfoundland,
Sanderson was flying with No.10 (Bomber Reconnaisance) was on U-Boat when he spotted U-517 patrol in the Gulf of St. Lawrence. He attacked the German submarine, swooping down to 45 meters above the raid he dropped his depth charges, some went of prematurely damaging his aircraft others did not detonate at all. The commander of U-517 discovered one of the unexploded charges lodged in his deck, Captain Hertwig and his engineering officer threw it over board and it exploded at its pre-set depth.
On 16 January, 1945 he received the Distinguished Flying Cross. The recommendation noted that James had flown 2017 hours, 1190 on operations comprised of 131 sorties and went on to say:
“This officer has had considerable service in anti-submarine operations over the North Atlantic over a long period. During this time, he has made two attacks on enemy submarines and after one of these attacks, brought his aircraft safely back to base, despite severe tail-plane damage caused by ricocheting depth charge.” Charles F. Power, Minister of National Defence.
This citation was found in ”Canadians in the Battle of the Atlantic” by Larry Gray. JRH.
The DN 5/12/45 reported that Sqd. Ldr. Sanderson and Mrs. Sanderson, of Winnipeg were reported visiting his parents at their home.
Discharged November 30, 1945
Died January 5, 1976
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
| Awards | Distinguished Flying Cross, Atlantic Star, Canadian Volunteer Service Medal with Clasp |
| Sources | Dresden I.O.D.E. Books, IODE-CM (P), DN, CBA, DY, CDN |
| Age | 23 |
| Birthplace | born November 26, 1916 |
| When Enlisted | September 13, 1940 |
| Next of Kin | Parents - Mr. and Mrs. Percy Sanderson Bentpath, Ontario |
Notice something wrong with this record? Or, do you have something to add? Report it using our online form.