Accident Kills R.A.F. Pilot - Home-Town Burial

Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Sanders, of 4, Duck-street, Rushden, learned by telegram last week that their second son, Sergt.-Pilot Harold George Sanders, R.A.F.V.R., had been killed in a flying accident while training at an English air station.

Aged 21, Sergt.-Pilot Sanders had been serving with the R.A.F. for about two years, and from June, 1942, to the beginning of May this year, was in Canada. His education was received at Culford (Bury St. Edmunds), and he was trained for the building trade at Cambridge. Before joining the R.A.F.V.R., he was with the firm of Arthur Sanders, Ltd., (of which his father is the head) for twelve months.

Sergt.-Pilot Sanders used to play for Rushden Hockey Club and attended the Park-road Methodist Church.

A letter from an R.A.F. Squadron Leader informed the parents that the accident occurred when their son was receiving instruction from a sergeant, who also lost his life. The officer added: “Your son had only recently arrived from his previous unit, but when I had a long talk with him he greatly impressed me by his charm, his determination and keenness to gain proficiency in all that he set out to do.”

“Quiet and Resolute”

Another tribute was from the headmaster of Culford School, Bury St. Edmunds: “He was such a splendid lad – quiet and resolute, kind and strong. He said little but thought and felt much. One felt always that his character would never yield in anything which he believed to be good and right.”

Sergt.-Pilot Sanders was laid to rest in his home town on Saturday afternoon, a large number of friends manifesting their sorrow and sympathy.

Brought from an air station on Friday, the coffin rested overnight at the Park-road Methodist Church. It was wrapped in a Union Jack, and on it lay the young airman’s cap.

The service in the church on Saturday was taken by the Rev. N. P. Goldhawk, resident minister, and the Rev. T. H. Johns, Chairman of the District. There were hymns, with Mr. Andrew Hazeldine at the organ, and Mr. Goldhawk spoke briefly with special reference to the deceased airman’s quiet personality and willing patriotic service. The committal service at the cemetery was conducted by Mr. Goldhawk.

Employees of Messrs. Arthur Sanders, Ltd., were at the church and graveside, and the Royal Air Force was represented by Staff Sergeant Elliott.

The principal mourners were Mr. and Mrs. A. Sanders (parents), Mrs. Clark (grandmother), Mr. E. March, Dovercourt (uncle), Mrs. C. A. Sanders (sister-in-law), Miss E. Sanders, Mrs. Clark (aunts), Mr. L. Clark (uncle), Miss K. March (cousin), Mr. Wilfred Groome, Mrs. A. O. Groome and Mr. Cyril Skeeles (friends).