Private Peter Sanderson

Peter Sanderson was the son of Samuel Forman and Elizabeth Anna Adcock, of Dunstable, Bedfordshire, he enlisted in the General Service Corps, and volunteered for airborne forces.

Pte Sanderson successfully completed parachute training at RAF Ringway, on course number 79 from 23 August to 2 September 1943. His course report stated “Cheerful hard worker, plenty of confidence”. He was posted to 9th Battalion, The Parachute Regiment, and took part in operation Overlord (Normandy).

Pte Sanderson was killed in action by mortar fire on 12 June 1944, age 19. He is mentioned on page 187 of the book by Neil Barber “The Day The Devils Dropped In”. Cpl McGuinness: “My gun was brought up to the crossroads (driveway), Bailey’s was in the wood, both facing Breville. Sanderson, a good lad, was right opposite us, his gun facing the Chateau; he was killed with mortar bomb, his mates were wounded.”

Pte Sanderson was given a field burial at Breville and was re-interred to Ranville War Cemetery, Calvados, France, on 2 July 1945.

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