George Spencer

Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve. George previously served as a private (14630) in the York and Lancaster Regiment. He enlisted on 3rd September 1914 and transferred to RNVR at Crystal Palace on 10th September 1914. He served in Anson Battalion Royal Naval Division from 22 October 1914. A newspaper report of his death mentions that he served in the Gallipoli Campaign; the 63rd Royal Naval Division which included Anson Bn, served in Gallpoli from April 1915 until evacuated at the end of the year. He suffered from jaundice from 21 December 1915 and did not rejoin the battalion until 25 April 1916. On 19 June 1916 George was posted to 3rd Brigade Trench Mortar Battery, transferring to the 1st Brigade Trench Mortar Battery on 7 July 1916 in Anson Bn. attached 188th Brigade Light Trench Mortar Unit. After the evacuation of Gallipoli, the Royal Naval Division moved to France where it participated in the final phase of the Battle of the Somme on 13th November 1916, advancing along the River Ancre to capture Beaucourt. 1st Royal Marine Light Infantry and RNVR battalions suffered many casualties, 50% in open ground before the German trenches were reached. Lieutenant-Colonel Saunders of Anson Battalion was killed early in the battle but the unit still managed to capture the Green Line and advance to the Yellow Line, after making contact with the 51st Highland Division to its left. By 10:30 pm Beaucourt had been captured. 583 RNVR men died during these operations: Anson Battalion (108), Drake (56), Hawke (111), Hood (59), Howe (93), Nelson (112). 42 men from 63rd Division Trench Mortar and Machine Companies, a surgeon and engine man also died. 212 Royal Marines were killed during the same advance. Thiepval Memorial, Pier and Face 1A

While serving on the Western Front he was awarded the Military Medal which was Gazetted on 19th February 1917. The citation of 22 September 1916 records on a Certificate of Gallantry that he "Behaved in a gallant and courageous manner in action on 14 September 1916 at the Pyrennes Trench, Angres". The Certificate was signed by Major General Sir Archbald Paris GOC 63rd RN Division. Retford Times 22 Dec 1916 'Leading Seaman George Spencer News has been received of the death of Leading Seaman George Spencer, Royal Naval Division who was killed in action November 13th 1916 aged 24. He was the youngest son of Mr and Mrs G Spencer who have lived at Rushey Inn for 43 years. He enlisted a month after the commencement of the war and went through the whole Gallipoli campaign. After leaving there he went direct to France where he was attached to the Trench Mortar Battery. It is only eight weeks ago he had his first leave of ten days. In his last letter to his sister he said he had been awarded the Military Medal. His two brothers are both serving, one in France and the other in Salonika. Prior to enlistment, deceased was employed as a shunter on the Great Central Railway. On Dec 20th his sister had a letter from one of his friends to say that he was one of the brave and best in the battery and everyone thought the same – he died a hero in the thick of the fighting and a nobler death had no one.' Research by Peter Gillings. Account of 13/11/1916 actions by David Nunn