Ronald Sanderson

Olympic medal record
Men's Rowing
1908 London eights
Memorial to Ronald Harcourt Sanderson in Ripon Cathedral

Ronald Harcourt Sanderson (11 December 1876 – 17 April 1918) was an English rower who competed in the 1908 Summer Olympics for Great Britain. He was killed in action during the First World War.[1]

Early life and rowing career

Sanderson was born at Uckfield, Sussex, the only son of Rev. Edward Sanderson of Uckfield. He was educated at Harrow School and Trinity College Cambridge.[2] Sanderson rowed for Cambridge in the Boat Race in 1899 and 1900 which were two victories for Cambridge.

He became a member of Leander Club and was a crew member of the Leander eight which won the gold medal for Great Britain rowing at the 1908 Summer Olympics.[3]

Military career

Sanderson joined the Royal Horse Artillery in May 1900,[4] and served as Second Lieutenant in the Second Boer War in South Africa. He was promoted to lieutenant on 8 March 1902.[5]

Sanderson served in the Royal Field Artillery during the First World War. He was mentioned in despatches and was awarded the Chevalier, Legion of Honour by France. He was a lieutenant colonel when he was killed in action near Ypres. He was buried at Lijssenthoek Military Cemetery nearby[6] and there is a memorial brass in Ripon Cathedral.

See also

References

  1. "Olympians Who Were Killed or Missing in Action or Died as a Result of War". Sports Reference. Retrieved 3 August 2015.
  2. "Sanderson, Robert Harcourt (SNDR895RH)". A Cambridge Alumni Database. University of Cambridge.
  3. Sports Reference Olympic Sports - Ronald Sanderson
  4. The London Gazette: no. 27196. p. 3335. 25 May 1900.
  5. The London Gazette: no. 27431. p. 3013. 6 May 1902.
  6. Sanderson, R H, Commonwealth War Graves Commission, Retrieved 19 August 2008
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