William Hamilton Spencer
- Family History
- Military History
- Extra Information
- Photographs
William Hamilton was born in 1898 (Willie Hamilton, J/A/S Basford), the son of George Fred and Lizzie Spencer. His father George Fred was the son of George and Rebecca Spencer. In 1891 George and Rebecca were living on Bailey Street, Basford, with their son George Fred (22), a printer compositor, and his siblings. George snr (64), a dyer's labourer, and Rebecca (57) were still living on Bailey Street (49) in 1901. Also in the household on the night of the census were their unmarried daughter Ethel (20), a hosiery mender, their son George Fred (32), a theatrical business manager, his wife Lizzie (20) and their grandson William Hamilton (2). In 1911 William Hamilton (12) was still living with his grandparents, George and Rebecca, who were now at 23 Rydal Grove, Basford. Also in the household on the night of the census was another of George and Rebecca's grandchildren, Edgar Spencer (14, b. Ireland), an errand boy (blouse warehouse). William's parents, George Fred and Lizzie have not yet been traced after 1901. The notice of William's death which was published in the local paper in 1918 refers to him as the grandson of the 'late Rebecca Spencer' and her address as Vernon Avenue, Old Basford.
He was reported missing on 3 May 1917 but his death was not confirmed until March 1918. William has no known grave and is commemorated on the Arras Memorial (Bay 5).
Nottingham Evening Post, ‘Roll of Honour’, 18, 19 & 20 March 1918: ‘Spencer. Missing May 3rd, 1917, now officially reported dead, Pte WH Spencer aged 19 years, the dearly loved grandson of the late Rebecca Spencer, Vernon-avenue, Old Basford. From Ethel.’ - (www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk). Notice possibly inserted by Ethel Spencer, William's paternal aunt.
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