101 ERRA - Memoriam

Captain Alan (Sandy) Sanderson MBE RE

(1950 – 2018)

Sandy began his career in 1966, joining the Junior Leaders Regiment Royal Engineers (JLRRE). On passing out from JLRRE Sandy volunteered for 9 (Parachute) Squadron, he qualified as a Combat Engineer and a Plant Operator Mechanic.

On posting to 49 Field Squadron (Explosive Ordnance Disposal) Sandy qualified as an Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Engineer.

Sandy spent much of his 24 year regular career in EOD which saw him involved in the full gamut of EOD operations in UK and overseas. Eventually Sandy found himself instructing at the Defence EOD School where his enthusiasm and humour would assist many potential EOD operators to pass what was and is rightly a demanding course. Sandy was always happy to go the extra mile for anyone struggling on the course.

When he eventually retired from the regular Corps in 1992 he remained in the EOD world becoming the assistant curator of the NATO EOD Technical Information Centre (EODTIC) at Lodge Hill. EODTIC was and remains the first port of call for EOD operators who maybe struggling to identify an item or require the correct RSP. In this capacity Sandy became ‘infamous’ for always having an answer and ensuring that EOD operators across NATO received the support they deserved.

In 1994 Sandy was commissioned into 101 (City of London) Engineer Regiment (EOD). He was initially the regimental Intelligence Officer (IO).

On promotion to Captain Sandy moved to 221 Field Squadron at Rochester where he remained until retiring in 2001. Sandy was a great supporter of the Regiment and the EOD family and is remembered with fondness by those who had the privilege to have crossed his path.

Sadly following a long fight Sandy succumbed to cancer 2018.

If you visit Beaumont Hamel, Newfoundland Memorial Park on the Somme and walk to the ‘Y’ Ravine take care what you say and have a care as Sandy is probably having ‘3 inches of safety fuse’ close by.