 Born in Auckland , Sanders took up a seafaring career in 1899 . He initially worked aboard steamships before transferring to sailing ships working around New Zealand waters to enhance his career prospects . After the outbreak of the First World War , he earned a master 's certificate in late 1914 . He then served in the Merchant Navy working aboard troopships until April 1916 , when he was commissioned in the Royal Naval Reserve . He completed his military training in the United Kingdom after which he served aboard the Helgoland , a Q @-@ ship which operated against German submarines . He performed well on his first two patrols and was given his own command , HMS Prize , in February 1917 . He was awarded the Victoria Cross for his actions while on his first patrol as captain , when the Prize engaged and saw off a German U @-@ boat that had earlier attacked and damaged his own ship . He was killed in action during the Prize 's fourth patrol when his ship was sunk by a U @-@ boat . His Victoria Cross was presented to his father and is currently held by the Auckland War Memorial Museum . Several memorials exist to Sanders ' memory , including the Sanders Cup , a sailing trophy for 14 @-@ foot ( 4 @.@ 3 m ) <unk> X @-@ class yachts . 
