'Operations opposite Polderhoek. 27th November to 5th December 1917. For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. At the assault on the Polderhoek Chateau on 3rd December Corporal Sands was in command of one of the Mortars. After the preliminary bombardment he took his Mortar Forward with the Infantry under heavy fire. An enemy machine gun which was doing considerable damage to our men and holding up the advance, was promptly put out of action by this NCO and his team, who got the Mortar into action in an incredibly short time by using the rope sling method. Later on when the advance stopped, he took up a position covering the right flank of our troops: from then, and with the assistance of Corporal McBeath's Mortar he completely dispersed the enemy troops which were massing for a counter attack.'
Source: London Gazette
Date: 13 March 1918

'Operations ? between Messines and Warenton 12th to 16th June 1917. This NCO was in command of Trench Mortar operating with 2nd Canterbury Batt. and he engaged an enemy machine gun and was instrumental in its capture.'
Source: London Gazette
Date: 16 August 1917