SAUNDERS, PTE WILLIAM JAMES - Regimental # 657895
William was born in Ahmic Harbour on Nov. 8., 1888. William’s contact on his enlistment form was given as his mother Mrs E. ‘Liza’ Saunders of Ahmic Harbour; but his next of next of kin was identified as Mrs. D.R. Saunders of London, Ontario.
He enlisted in the 162nd on March 30, 1916 in Burks Falls. He arrived in England Nov. 11, 1916 on the SS Caronia. In December he was transferred to the 36th Reserve Battalion and then to 3rd Reserve Battalion then to the 19th Battalion.
William received severe shrapnel wounds at Ypres, November 8, 1917 .
The extent of his injuries are described below:
William sailed from England on September 22, 1918 and was discharged Nov. 12, 1918.
The time of William’s injuries were during what has been called the Third Battle of Ypres or Second Battle of Passchendaele. As described in Wikipedia: “The second stage began on 30 October, to complete the previous stage and gain a base for the final assault on Passchendaele. The attackers on the southern flank quickly captured Crest Farm and sent patrols beyond the final objective into Passchendaele. The attack on the northern flank again met with exceptional German resistance. The 3rd Canadian Division captured Vapour Farm on the Corps boundary, Furst Farm to the west of Meetcheele and the crossroads at Meetcheele but remained short of its objective. During a seven-day pause, the Second Army took over another section of the Fifth Army front adjoining the Canadian Corps. Three rainless days from 3–5 November eased preparation for the next stage, which began on the morning of 6 November, with the 1st Canadian Division and the 2nd Canadian Division. In fewer than three hours, many units reached their final objectives and Passchendaele was captured. The Canadian Corps launched a final action on 10 November, to gain control of the remaining high ground north of the village near Hill 52.”
