Feb 1, 1901

Born in Cavan, Ontario to Robert John and Elizabeth Sophia (nee Pethick) Saunders

Feb 5, 1916

Attested into the 109^th Battalion CEF in Lindsay, Ontario as William Ernest Sanders

Ø  Number 725222

Ø  Next of kin given as Robert Sanders, father, Franklin, Ontario

Ø  Previous occupation given as Labourer

Ø  No previous military experience given

Ø  Religion given as Methodist

 
On attesting, he lied about his age stating he was born January 1, 1898.  In fact, he was only 15 years of age when he attested.

Jul 21, 1916

Transferred to the Special Service Battalion, #3 Special Service Company in Kingston, Ontario

Oct 9, 1916

Sentenced to 11 days detention and forfeited 7 days pay for being absent

Nov 8, 1916

Sentenced to 7 days detention and forfeited 3 days pay for being absent

Nov 28, 1916

Transferred to the 252^nd Battalion CEF

Jun 2, 1917

The battalion embarked the SS Olympic in Halifax, Nova Scotia

Jun 9, 1917

Disembarked in Liverpool and proceeded to Seaford where the entire battalion was absorbed into the 6^th Reserve Battalion to continue training

Oct 17, 1917

Transferred to the 21^st Battalion

Oct 18, 1917

Arrived at the No. 2 CIBD (Canadian Infantry Base Depot) in Etaples, France as part of a draft of 508 reinforcements from England and TOS (Taken On Strength) the 21^st Battalion

Oct 22, 1917

After leaving the base depot he joined the CC Rein C (Canadian Corps Reinforcement Camp) in Calonne Ricouart

Nov 20, 1917

After leaving the reinforcement camp, Private Sanders joined the 21^st Battalion in billets in Camblain L’Abbe, France as part of a draft of 95 reinforcements

Jan 29, 1918

His true name and age were discovered to be William Ernest Saunders born February 1, 1901

Feb 1, 1918

Because of his age he was returned to the base depot in Etaples

Feb 8, 1918

Returned to England and taken on the strength of the EORD (Eastern Ontario Regimental Depot) in Seaford

Feb 14, 1918

Attached to the 6^th Reserve Battalion in Seaford

Feb 23, 1918

Attached to the CDD (Canadian Discharge Depot) in Buxton pending return to Canada

Feb 27, 1918

Embarked the SS Ongar (formerly named the SS Corsican) in Liverpool

Mar 16, 1918

Disembarked in Halifax, Nova Scotia and proceeded to Kingston, Ontario

Apr 16, 1918

Discharged from the CEF in Kingston, Ontario

Ø  Rank on discharge Private

Ø  War Service Badge Class “A” issued

Ø  Proposed residence on discharge Lindsay, Ontario

Aug 27, 1919

Address changed to read 73 King St., West, Toronto, Ontario

Feb 12, 1920

William Ernest Saunders died of Angina Pectoris, coronary heart disease, at the age of 19 and was buried in the Prospect Cemetery, Toronto, Ontario

  
Note the error in his age recorded on the headstone

 
Following his death, the British War Medal and Victory Medals were sent to his father, Robert Saunders, Franklin, Ontario

 
Even though his death is recognized by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission as related to his war time service, there is no indication that a Plaque (Dead Man’s Penny) or Memorial Cross was issued