Alfred Spencer
- Family History
- Military History
- Extra Information
- Photographs
Alfred was the only son of Thomas and Annie Spencer and the brother of Nellie, Betsy Ann, Clara, Mabel, Kate and Lily. In 1891 Thomas (40), a bricklayer, and Annie (35) were living at 3 Aspley Place, Alfreton Road, Radford, with their children Alfred (10), Nellie (8), Betsy (7), Clara (5), Mabel (3), Kate (2) and Lily (5 months). All the children were born in Radford. Although the family was still at the same address in 1901 it was Annie who was listed as head of household; she was working as a charwoman. Also in the household on the night of the census were Alfred (20) a coal miner at Clifton Colliery, and Betsy (18), Clara (16) and Mabel (13) who were all cigar makers, and the two youngest girls, Kate (12) and Lily (11). Alfred was a member of the 1st Notts VRC around 1904/1905 when he gave his address as 6 Ashling Street, Meadows. He resigned in 1905 but rejoined in 1907 and when in 1908 he attested in the 7th Bn Notts and Derby Regiment (Territorial Force) he gave his address as 84 Manvers Street, Sneinton. He named his mother and sister Nellie, also of 84 Manvers Street, as his next of kin. Alfred married Mary Gamble in 1909 (O/N/D Nottingham) and according to information in his army service documents they had three children; Irene b. 24 April 1905, Stanley Alfred Spencer b. 29 October 1909 and Thomas b. 4 February 1911. By 1911 Alfred (30) and Mary (24) were living at 73 Waterway Street, Meadows, with the two children Irene (5) and Stanley Alfred (1). They later moved to 18 Traffic Street and were living at this address when Alfred was killed in 1915. His widow later lived at10 Rupert Grove, Middle Furlong Road, Meadows. In 1911 Alfred's mother, Annie, now a maternity nurse, was living at 1 Cheltenham Terrace, Arkwright Street, Meadows. She was still head of household but now described herself as a widow although in light of information in her son's army record this might not have been the case. Also at home on the night of the census were her daughters Betsy Ann (26), a blouse machinist, Clara (25), a drawer in lace warehouse, Kate (22) a machinist in frillings for neckwear and Lily (20) a fancy net mender. Also in the household was Frank Logan (5), Annie's nephew. Alfred's widow, Mary, completed a form for the army in 1920 listing her husband's surviving blood relatives: Widow: Mary Spencer, 10 Rupert Grove, Meadows Children: Irene b. 24 April 1905, Stanley b. 29 October 1909, Thomas b. 4 February 1911, also of 10 Rupert Grove, Meadows. Father: Thomas Spencer, 'In USA' Mother: Annie Spencer, 13 Lammas Street, Nottingham Brothers: none Sisters: Betsy Spencer, Kate Spencer and Lily Spencer of 13 Lammas Street, and Clara (-), 3 Lammas Terrace. Nephews/Nieces: a nephew (name illegible) and Dora Swift, both of 13 Lammas Street, Nottingham. Of Alfred's children, Irene married Leonard Poole in 1929 (J/A/S Nottingham) while Stanley married Katherine Warren in 1944 (A/M/J Nottingham) and died on 8 September 1972 aged 62. The only information about their younger brother, Thomas, was found in documents in Alfred's service record.
Alfred initially volunteered in the 1st Notts VRC. His first period of engagement ended when he resigned in 1905 but he re-enrolled on 9 April 1907. However, on 29 June 1908 he attested in the Territorial Force, 7th Bn Notts and Derby Regiment, and re-engaged annually up to and including April 1914. His army record shows that he then served at home from 5 August 1914 to 27 February 1915 joining the BEF France on 28 February 1915. Alfred was killed in action on 13 October 1915; he has no known grave and is commemorated on the Loos Memorial. He served for 6 years 244 days on Home Service and overseas for 228 days, a total of 7 years 107 days, and qualified for the 1914/15 Star, British War Medal and Victory Medal.
Nottingham Evening Post, Roll of Honour, 16 November 1915: ‘Spencer. Killed in action, October 13th, 1915, 606 Sapper Spencer, 1/7th Robin Hoods, aged 34 years, late of 173, Waterway-street. Sleep on, dear husband, and take thy rest, you always tried to do your best; you answered to your country’s call, and a brave hero you did fall. From his heartbroken wife and children, Irene, Stanley, and Thomas.’ (www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk) Nottingham Evening Post, Roll of Honour, 16 November 1915: ‘Spencer: Killed in action, Sapper Alf, Spencer, aged 34 years, 1/7th Robin Hoods, only brother. They miss him most who loved him best. Deeply mourned. His sorrowing sisters Clara and Lily.’ (www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk) Nottingham Evening Post, ‘Roll of Honour’, 18 November 1915: ‘Spencer. Killed in action, October 13th, 1915, 606, Sapper Spencer, 1/7th Robin Hoods, aged 34 years, late of 173, Waterway-street. Sleep on, dear husband, and take thy rest; you always tried to do your best; you answered to your country’s call, and a brave hero you did fall. American papers please copy. From his heart-broken wife and children, Irene, Stanley, and Thomas.’ (www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk) See above: 'American papers please copy' may refer to Alfred's father, Thomas Spencer, who appears to have deserted his family sometime before 1901 and was believed to be in America. Alfred's widow was his legatee and she was awarded a pension of 20/6d for herself and her three children from 23 May 1916.
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