Frederick George Spencer
- Family History
- Military History
- Extra Information
- Photographs
Frederick George was born in 1886 (J/A/S Basford) and was probably the son of Hill and Hannah Spencer who had at least eight children including Frederick: Frederick, Agnes E., Florence N., Constance A., Maud Ida, John Hill, Emily L and Winifred M. In 1901 the family was living at 27 High Street, Basford, in the parish of St Leodegarius. Frederick married Gertrude Burton (b. 7 January 1887) at the 'Scotch' Baptist Chapel, New Basford, on 6 July 1909 (J/A/S Nottingham) and had two children who were both born in Basford: Arthur Leslie b. 9 September 1909 (O/N/D Nottingham) and Dorothy Gertrude b. 31 March 1914 (A/M/J Nottingham). They initially lived at 27 Scotland Road, Basford, the address given on the marriage certificate. However, by 1911 Frederick (24), a tramway conductor, and Gertrude (24) were living at 60 West Gate, Notingham, with their son Arthur (1). Their daughter, Dorothy, was born three years later. When Frederick attested in 1915 he gave his address as 27 Scotland Road. His army record later gives his widow's address as 18 Marlow Avenue, Old Basford, although Gertrude wrote to the army (undated) to advise that her address then changed to 42 Russell Road, Nottingham. It is likely this was around 1918 when her husband's possessions were returned to her. The later CWGC record gives Gertrude's address as 10 Marlow Avenue, Basford, and she was still living at the same address in 1939 at the time the England & Wales Register was compiled. The widowed Gertrude was living with her unmarried daughter Dorothy (later Wardle), a hosiery machinist, and also Eric E [Edward] Spencer (b. 2 July 1920) a cabinet maker. Eric was probably Gertrude's son as the registration of his birth in 1920 (J/A/S Nottingham) gives the mother's maiden name as Burton. He died in 2003 (J/F/M Norwich). Frederick' son Arthur Leslie probably married Winifred Hurt in 1935 (J/A/S Nottingham). In 1939 they were living at 20 Wareham Close, Nottingham. Arthur was in charge of a wholesale bacon department while Winifred's occupation was given as 'unpaid domestic duties.' Frederick's daughter Dorothy Gertrude married William E Wardle in 1948 (J/A/S Nottingam); she died in 1968 (O/N/D Nottingham) aged 54.
Frederick attested on 26 August 1915 and was posted the same day. He embarked Southampton on 4 June 1916 and disembarked at Le Havre the following day. Frederick was posted to the 402/5 Bde RFA as a driver on 14 January 1917. He died on 3 October 1917 at No. 4 Casualty Clearing Station of shell wounds to his right side. Frederick was buried in Dozinghem Military Cemetery (grave ref. VII.H.24)
CWGC headstone personal inscription: 'The Supreme Sacrifice' Nottingham Evening Post , ‘In Memoriam’, 3 October 1918: ‘Spencer. In loving memory of my dear husband, Frederick Geo. Spencer, RFA, died of wounds October 3rd, 1917, Ever in our thoughts. Loving wife & children.’ (www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk) Nottingham Evening Post , ‘In Memoriam’, 3 October 1918: ‘Spencer. In loving memory of Frederick Geo. Spencer, RFA, died of wounds October 3rd, 1917. Fondly remembered by mother, father, sisters, and brothers.’ (www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk) Registers of Soldiers' Effects: his widow Gertrude was his legatee. WW1 Pension Ledger Records: dependants; Gertrude (widow) and two children, Arthur Leslie and Dorothy Gertrude. His widow was awarded 22/11d (22 shillings & 11 pence) for herself and two children in April 1918. The Army arranged for Frederick's possessions to be returned to his widow in March/April 1918; these comprised letters, photos, purse, pen knife, small key, badge and pocket book.
