He received his education at Little Holbeck School and after completing his time there was indentured as an apprentice fitter at the nearby Airedale Foundry.

[1] George enlisted for service on 9 November 1914 and was drafted as a private and later promoted to corporal to the 1/7th (Leeds Rifles) Battalion, West Yorkshire Regiment (The Prince of Wales's Own), British Army during the First World War.

For 36 hours Sanders' small force held off German attacks before being relieved and leading the 19 survivors back to the British lines.

[4] Sanders' actions were recognised with the award of the Victoria Cross which was published in the London Gazette on 9 September 1916.

He organised his defences, detailed a bombing party, and impressed on his men that his and their duty was to hold the position at all costs.

On the following day he was relieved after showing the greatest courage, determination and good leadership during 36 hours under very trying conditions.

[8]He was taken prisoner of war (POW) on 25 April and listed as wounded and missing with injuries to both his right arm and leg, last seen carrying his revolver in his left hand.