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Sadler, Willis Michael

Date of birth:
February 22nd, 1920 (Kensington/London, United Kingdom)
Date of death:
January 4th, 2024 (Cambridge/Cambridgeshire, United Kingdom)
Service number:
1095726 (NCO)/282465 (Officer)
Nationality:
British

Biography

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Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Unit:
Long Range Desert Group (LRDG), British Army
Awarded on:
June 2nd, 1943
Citation:
"During the night of 14/12/41 and again on the night of 27/12/41 Pte. Sadler was given the responsability of navigating a combined party of the L.R.D.G. and S.A.S. personnel to TAMET L.G. to destroy enemy aircraft. On each occasion the weather was bad which increased his difficulties. Nevertheless his navigation was so accurate that the party arrived exactly the predetermined spot, which helped largely in the destruction of 24 and later 27 aircraft and other stores.
He displayed a high standard of coolness and efficiency on these and previous operations.
This recommendation was put forward by Lieut. Mayne DSO who commanded the S.A.S. party."
Military Medal (MM)
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Temporary Captain
Unit:
1st Battalion, Special Air Service Regiment (SAS), British Army
Awarded on:
March 22nd, 1945
Military Cross (MC)
Citation:
"Captain Sadler MM parachuted into Central France on the 7 august 44. As Unit Intelligence Officer it was necessary for him to move from one Squadron to another, through strongly held enemy territory, collecting information and organising operations. On one occasion he set out with two jeeps to cross the busy and well patrolled MONTARGIS - ORLEANS Road. One hundred yards from the crossing a strong German patrol, with heavy machine guns, was seen. As Captain Sadler considered it essential that he should carry out his task, he drove slowly up the patrol, waved to them, and crossed the road, passing the Germans by less than six feet. It was not until both jeeps had got safely through that the Germans realised that they were British, and commenced firing.
Captain Sadler immediately manoeuvred his own Jeep into a position from which he could cover the withdrawal of his second Jeep, although he himself was under heavy fire. Not until the other Jeep was safely clear did Captain Sadler himself withdraw, having knocked out the crews of two machine guns."

Recommended by Lt. Col RB Mayne DSO
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Major
Awarded on:
June 22nd, 1918
Chevalier de l' Ordre National de la Legion d'Honneur

Sources