Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Temporary Lieutenant-Colonel

Unit:

10th Battalion Durham Light Infantry, 70th Infantry Brigade, 49th (West Riding) Infantry Division, British Army

Awarded on:

December 21st, 1944

"On 19 Aug, 10 DLI, commanded by Lt. Col. SANDARS advanced from (...) (2556) to MESNIL MAUGER (3056). At the latter place the bridges were blown and held by the enemy. 10 DLI were ordered to cross the river and capture this feauture in square (3159). The leading coy succeeded in crossing the river, but (...) by arty and MG fire on the far banks.
Lt. Col. SANDARS then organized an attack with two coys supported by an arty (...). This attack was successful, but in the early hours of 28 aug, the enemy counter-attacked in (..) strength and succeeded in regaining the feature.
Throughout Lt. Col. SANDARS displayed outstanding devotion to duty and disregard for his personal safety. His HQ and the whole Bn area was frequently under heavy arty fire. This officer moved about the Bn area to carry out a recce, make a plan, and issue orders. By the time his Bn had gained the feature all his Coy Comds (...) casualties resulted in some disorganization. This officer displayed outstanding coolness and determination in dealing with the situation, though himself.... (unreadable).

Throughout the operation he set a very fine example of coolness, determination and devotion to duty."

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Lieutenant-Colonel

Unit:

1st Battalion Leicestershire Regiment, 147th Infantry Brigade, 49th (West Riding) Infantry Division, British Army

Awarded on:

March 1st, 1945

"On the morning of 21 Oct 1944 Lieut-Col SANDARS was in command of 1 LEICESTERS when they relieved a Recce Squadron in the area of STOVTABLE, North of WUUSTWEZEL. Within an hour of the relief and before the Battalion had completed digging in, the enemy infantry supported by SP guns attacked. The action continued throughout the day during which one Company was overrun and a Platoon of another wiped out. Three SP guns broke through the Battalion area after five out of the six anti-tank guns had been knocked out. Lieut-Col SANDARS went forward to rally the remnants of the overrun Company and to organise the move forward of a Reserve Company. To do this he had to expose himself to enemy fire, and on the arrival of some tanks which had come to his support, he again exposed himself while directing the tanks to the best battle positions. At his own HQ Lieut-Col SANDARS was continually under direct shell fire from the SP guns during which time one HE and two solid shots hit the building close to him. During the whole action which lasted until nightfall Lieut-Col SANDARS remained calm and in command of the situation and his example and coolness were an inspiration to his Battalion. It was undoubtedly due to his leadership that the enemy attack was defeated, while heavy casualties were inflicted on the enemy including seven SP guns."
Recommneded by Brigadier H. Wood, D.S.O. Comd 147 Inf Bde
---
"I can testify to the serious situation that arose at this time. The fact that the relief was in progress to release elements of the Recce Regt for action elsewhere necessitated careful control of the situation by Lieut-Col Sandars and it was largely due to his personal direction throughout the action under very heavy fire from enemy SP guns and infantry that the ground was held"
- Maj Gen E.H. Barker, Comd 49 Inf Div.
"Signed", Lt Gen B. Croker, Comd 1 Cdn Corps
"Signed", Lt. Gen G.G Simmonds, GOCinC First Cdn Army
"Signed" Fd Mshl B.L. Montgomery, GinC 21st Army Group

Second DSO received as bar

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Temporary Brigadier

Unit:

CO, Tromso Zone, British Army

Awarded on:

March 19th, 1948

"This officer commanded TROMSO ZONE. His command extended over hundreds of miles and the troops at his disposal were limited. The excellence of his arrangements and his tactful liaison with the Norwegian authorities were such that the tasks allotted were most efficiently carried out. Many thousands of Germans were (...) and finally evacuated. A large number of Russian or (..) many of whom were sick were also evacuated."