Reg Saunders was born in 1920, in Purnum , Victoria , near the Framlingham Aboriginal Reserve. He came from a long line of soldiers. Both his father and his uncle served in the First World War. His uncle, Reg Rawlings, for whom he was named, received a Military Medal for action at Morlancourt Ridge , France . Rawlings was killed in action at Vauvillers, in 1918 .

In the Second World War, Reg Saunders and his brother Harry both served in the army. Harry was killed in action in New Guinea . Reg was shot in the knee in a separate action, but returned to the 2/7th Infantry Battalion after his recovery.

Sergeant Saunders on leave from New Guinea , 1943

When he joined up again for service in Korea , Reg led his company through fierce fighting, including the battle at Kapyong in April 1951. He was the first Aboriginal serviceman to command a rifle company, and was respected and popular with his men. His biographer and friend, Harry Gordon , an Australian journalist in Korea , wrote of him:

"He was accepted unreservedly by the men who served with him because false values do not flourish among front-line soldiers."

Reg Saunders commented:

"The Americans had negro officers, but they handled negro troops. Sometimes it was suggested to me that Australia should have its own Aboriginal battalion. I'm dead against the idea . it would mean a line of demarcation - a separateness. They would be treated as something apart, and that would be bad."

After service in Korea , Saunders remained in the regular army for a year before resigning his commission. Returning to civilian life proved a difficult transition. Having been accustomed to leading others in difficult and dangerous situations, and to being a respected and admired officer, when he returned to Australian society he faced discrimination; his qualities as leader went unappreciated. After years of difficulty, he had a successful career working for the Aboriginal Affairs Office and later at the Department of Aboriginal Affairs. He died in 1990.