Career
Saunders enlisted with the Witwatersrand Rifles Regiment in 1914 at the start of the First World War and then served in the South African Rifles before becoming a pilot in Number. 84 Squadron of the Royal Flying Corps. He became a triple ace, with 15 victories credited to him.
He was promoted to squadron leader on 29 May 1929.
He was appointed Officer Commanding Number. 45 Squadron in 1932. 11 Group in November 1942.
He was made Director-General of Personnel at the Air Ministry in November 1944. At the end of the war, he was made Air Officer Commanding Royal Air Force Burma before becoming Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief Bomber Command in January 1947.
He went on to be Air Member for Personnel in October 1947, Inspector-General of the Royal Air Force in October 1949 and Commander-in-Chief at Headquarters Air Forces Western Europe in February 1951.
He was appointed Air Deputy to Supreme Allied Commander Europe and retired in September 1953.