Rowland Glave Saunders (12 March 1873 – 10 December 1952) was a British veterinary surgeon, public servant, and six‑time Mayor of Exeter, Devon. He was appointed Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in recognition of his civic contributions.
Early life and education
Saunders was born on Fore Street in Exeter, the son of Tom Anning Saunders, founder of the local drapery firm Saunders and Mumford. After completing his schooling in Exeter, he apprenticed with the veterinary surgeon James Heath. He graduated from the Royal Veterinary College in London in 1895.
Veterinary career
Following graduation, Saunders taught for 2½ years at the Colonial College in Suffolk. He subsequently established a veterinary practice in Penzance, where he also served as a veterinary inspector for the Ministry of Agriculture. In 1908 he married Gladys Dorothy Martin of Penzance. He retired from veterinary work in 1926 on health grounds and returned to Exeter.
Political and civic service
Back in Exeter, Saunders entered local politics as a Liberal councillor for the Exwick ward. He was elected Sheriff of Exeter in 1935, holding simultaneous chairmanships of the Public Assistance Committee, the Maternity and Child Welfare Committee, and deputy‑chairmanship of the City Mental Hospital Committee.
In 1938 Saunders was elected Mayor of Exeter. The outbreak of the Second World War led to his re‑election for five subsequent terms, making him the first mayor to serve six consecutive terms since William Hurst in the 16th century. During his mayoralty he engaged in wartime civic duties, including welcoming visiting military units.
Honours
For his public service, Saunders was appointed a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in 1945.
Death
Rowland Glave Saunders died at his home in Exmouth on 10 December 1952, aged 79.
Legacy
Saunders is remembered for his contributions to veterinary practice in southwest England and for his extensive civic leadership in Exeter during a period encompassing both peacetime and the challenges of World War II.
