Edger William Sandercock

1939 – 1945 Star, Italy Star, France and Germany Star, Defence Medal, Canadian Volunteer Service Medal (CVSM) and Clasp

Royal Canadian Army Service Corp

WW II

Edger was born eldest son to William and Emma (Boulton) Sandercock on 17 October 1916. He had 8 siblings, Mel, Bert, Marion (Patterson), Doug, Velma (Keith), Garry, Walter and Mavis (Cram). They grew up on the family farm in the Dunston area north west of Morden. Edger enjoyed driving the horses on the farm as well as playing baseball and hockey.

Edger enlisted 12 February 1942 in Winnipeg, Royal Canadian Army Service Corp (RCASC), and took his training as a Driver Mechanic in Red Deer, Alberta. The RCASC provided support to Canadian Soldiers wherever they went; training in Canada and Great Britain, the campaign in north-west Europe (Normandy) and the campaign in Italy. The RCASC moved supplies from the rear areas to the battle zone and wounded from the front lines to rear areas for medical attention. They delivered all rations, ammunition, petroleum products, and all other necessary equipment. They did so with a variety of vehicles ranging from 3 ton to 10 ton lorries (trucks) and 40 ton tank transporters, often under enemy fire. Edger’s first overseas posting was the UK. This was his first trip on an ocean vessel and the large troop transport was under constant threat from German U-boats. Not easy for a small town farm boy. Upon arrival they were billeted on a large English Estate. Many Family Estates were given to house Canadian soldiers and Edger recalled the many family portraits on the wood panelled walls and grand staircase. Edger’s duties included driving large lorries in convoys and ambulance trucks at the front lines, often under enemy fire. On one occasion he had all four tires shot out on his ambulance but kept driving to get his patients to a safe location.

After 43 months of service Edger was repatriated and released from the service. He purchased his farm from his Aunt with the help of a loan from the Veterans Land Act (VLA), the farm is located just north of Morden. He married Betty Knox shortly after, July 1949 and together they ran a very successful mixed farm. They had 2 children, Mark and Lynn. Edger and Betty were involved in 4H, the Morden Curling Club, the Morden United Church, the Royal Canadian Legion and numerous other groups.

Edger took special pride in marching on Remembrance Day and was always very proud of his service, sharing stories and history with his grandchildren. For many years after the war, their Corp held a reunion at the farm of Eddie Orchard in Miami, MB. They had a bond that lasted a life time.

Private Edger William Sandercock passed away 03 August 2012 and is buried at the Dunston Cemetery.

Information from family, Royal Canadian Army Service Corp history and Wikipedia.