Emeritus Professor Derek W. Saunders (Physics 1945)

Provided by Mrs M.J. Attwell Thomas and Mr Thomas A. Gomersall

Provided by Mrs Jane Atwell Thomas, Professor Saunders' daughter.

Professor Derek Saunders studied Physics at Imperial College during the war years. Despite the grim conditions, he was a keen sportsman and enjoyed his membership of the 22 Club.

After graduating in 1945 he pursued his interest in the emerging field of Polymer Physics eventually heading the Department of Materials at the (then) Cranfield Institute of Technology. His over-arching ambition to bring together research and industry lead to him serving as Director of the Teaching Company Scheme until his retirement in 1988.

A keen hill-walker and sailor he died aged 82 at Scorton, North Yorkshire in June 2008.

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Provided by alumnus and friend, Mr Thomas A. Gomersall.

As a child, Derek lived in Morley, West Riding. I knew his father, who was a police sergeant, and his mother and two sisters – a lovely family. He attended Morley Grammar School, and was awarded a State Bursary to Imperial College. His physics teacher at MGS (Charles F Thetford) was an enthusiastic alumnus of I.C.

At RCS, Derek’s course was for two years only, and was marred by wartime experience of flying bombs and V2 rockets. Like many others at that time, he was expected to join the college CCF, and to carry out firewatching. In spite of these problems, and although studying hard, often until 11pm, he led a full and active college life. He rowed with RCS first eight, and was awarded full colours. Also a member of RCS rugby team, and RCS Tug o’ War team, and participated enthusiastically in union activities. Derek was a member of the 22 Club, and wore his 22 tie as required on prescribed occasions.

Derek had a distinguished career in polymeric materials. He was Professor of Polymer Physics and Engineering at Cranfield Institute of Technology from 1967-87 and was created CBE in 1986. He was a member of a number of professional bodies, and held a range of academic credentials. Derek was also Director of the Science and Engineering Research Council from 1981-88, and Vice-President  of the Institute of Materials 1992-94. He was for many years a member of the Royal Institution, where he organised a series of children’s lectures.

In retirement, he found time for a wide range of activities, including golf , and continued his lifelong enthusiasm for the sea and sailing. He followed rugby and cricket with enthusiasm and continued to support a number of local organisations.

His interest in science continued unabated after retirement, and he continued his work for a number years subsequently.

Derek was ill with Alzheimer’s for some time before his death.

Derek leaves his wife Mayla, and five children – all now pursuing their own distinguished careers.

It has been a great privilege to count Derek and Mayla as close friends since childhood.

Tom Gomersall RCS 1944 - 1946