Saunders was born in Dublin, the son of Matthew J. Saunders, of County Wicklow.
World War I
Saunders was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the Royal Field Artillery on 24 May 1915, serving in the Gallipoli Campaign before being confirmed in his rank on 9 February 1916. He then transferred to the Royal Flying Corps, receiving Royal Aero Club Aviator's Certificate No. 3283 after soloing a Maurice Farman biplane at Military School, Catterick Bridge, on 20 July 1916, and was appointed a flying officer on 25 August. On 1 July 1917 he was promoted to lieutenant in the Royal Field Artillery, but had to wait until 1 September until receiving the same step in the RFC. The following month he was posted to No. 60 Squadron in France to fly the S.E.5a single-seat fighter. Saunders did not gain his first aerial victory until 10 May 1918, destroying a German Pfalz D.III fighter aircraft. Six days later, an Albatros D.V fell to his guns over Beaulencourt, France. On 23 May, he shared with Captain James Belgrave in the destruction of another Albatros D.V over Fricourt. On 9 June, the two men accounted for two Hannoverreconnaissance aircraft over Arras, setting one afire and driving the other down out of control, and Saunders was an ace. On 2 July 1918, Saunders fought his memorable action-one which would be cited as a reason for awarding him the DFC. He dived 8,000 feet, leading an attack by his flight of six upon six German fighters. Saunders shot one Pfalz D.III down, and two others collided while evading his assault. Saunders was credited for all three. On 29 July he was appointed a flight commander with the temporary rank of captain, taking command of "A" Flight. On 1 August, Saunders vanquished one of the new Fokker D.VIIs, sending it out of control over Bapaume. A week later, it was the turn of a German reconnaissance two-seater to fall out of control over Chaulnes. The next day, 9 August 1918, Saunders shot down two Fokker D.VIIs. On 3 August 1918 he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross. His citation read:
List of aerial victories
Post-war career
Saunders was transferred to the RAF's unemployed list on 31 October 1919, but was granted a short service commission with the rank of flying officer on 12 December. He eventually relinquished his commission in the Royal Field Artillery on 1 April 1920. On 5 February 1923, he was transferred to the Reserve of Air Force Officers. On 16 December 1924, he then transferred to the "Class C" Reserves. On 5 February 1927, he relinquished his commission upon completion of service. On 22 May 1930 Saunders was giving passenger flights in Te Awamutu, New Zealand, when his de Havilland Gipsy Moth went into a tail spin and crashed, killing his passenger instantly, while Saunders died from his injuries later.
