TUNNELLING COMMANDER ON THE WESTERN FRONT: Major Alexander Sanderson DSO, MC and Bar in Two World Wars

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Explores the life of Major Alexander Sanderson DSO, MC & Bar, MiD -- one of the ablest and most experienced mining engineers to serve on the Western Front in WWI. His first Military Cross was awarded for his role during the Battle of Fromelles in July 1916, during which he was wounded by shellfire while repairing an explosive charge in No Man's Land. His second MC and wound stripe were awarded after a successful night-time raid to destroy enemy shafts. Details how the Australians constructed a vast network of defensive subways for the infantry from La Bassee to Hill 70. Sanderson's defensive Hythe Tunnel, constructed in 1918, complete with pivoting bascule doors and sliding internal walls, was considered one of the finest tunnels on the Western Front.

During the Blitz in WWII, Sanderson was put in charge of repairs to the bomb-damaged London Underground. Such was his tunnelling skills, he was also a consultant structural engineer for both the Cabinet War Rooms and Churchill's underground bunker, following which Winston presented him with a box of his cigars as a token of the Prime Minister's appreciation. Contains 16 color and mono illustrations.