John Henry Spencer
- Family History
- Military History
- Extra Information
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John Henry known as 'Jack'. There is a record of the registration of the birth of a John Henry Spencer in 1893 (J/F/M Nottingham), mother's maiden name Simpkins. According to 'In Memoriam' notices in the local paper, he had at least two brothers, George and Bill (?William), and two sisters, Maria and Polly John married Ethel Morley in 1914 (O/N/D Nottingham). Ethel was born in Lenton, the daughter of William, a coal miner, and Philomena Morley. In 1901 her family, including her sister Janet (b. abt 1892 later Lane), were living at 64 Park Street, Nottingham. By 1911 they had moved to 4 Clayton Place, Newgate Street, New Lenton; Ehtel (17) was an embroidery friller. In 1918 the widowed Ethel was living at 5 Chapel Place, Park Street, Lenton. His brothers Bill and George also served; Bill in India. One of the family notices in the local paper also commemorates George who was killed in action on 29 June 1916 age 19 (no trace CWGC). According to one of the 'In Memoriam' notices published in 1919, John's mother died on 10 November 1917, a few weeks before his death.
'C' Bty 178th Bde Royal Field Artillery He was awarded the Military Medal, 25 November 1917. He died of wounds and is buried in Hermies Hill British Cemetery, Pas de Calais: Grave Reference: II C 10
Registers of Soldiers' Effects and WW1 Pension Ledgers: legatee his widow, Ethel Spencer. Nottingham Evening Post 'In Memoriam' 4 February 1918: 'Spencer. died of wounds November 29th 1917 age 24 (Military Medal awarded November 25th 1917), Corporal Jack Spencer RFA, husband of Ethel Spencer (née Morley) of 5 Chapel Place, Park Street, Lenton. Wife Ethel. Also his brother George, killed in action 29 June 1916 age 19. Father, sisters Maria (married to Ben) Polly, brother Bill (in India), brother-in-law of Janet and Private Frank Lane (in France).' Note: Frank Lane married Janet H Morley in 1913 (O/N/D Nottingham). Nottingham Evening Post, ‘in Memoriam’, 29th November 1918: ‘Spencer. In loving memory of Corpl. Jack Spencer, Military Medallist, late 178th Brigade RFA, who died of wounds November 29th,1917, the beloved husband of Ethel Spencer, 5 Chapel-place, Park-street, Lenton, aged 24 years. I loved you in life, you are dear to me still, but in grief I must bend to God’s holy will; the sorrow is great, the loss hard to bear, but angels, dear husband, will guard you with care. From his loving wife Ethel.’ (www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk) Nottingham Evening Post, ‘In Memoriam’, 29 November 1919: ‘Spencer. In loving memory of our dear brother, Cpl. J Spencer RFA, killed in action November 29th 1917. Also our dear mother, died November 10th, 1917. Reunited. Oft times we sit and think of you both with aching hearts, and shed a silent tear, and wonder where the grave may be, of the brother we loved so dear. Loving sisters and brother Bill.' (www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk) Lenton war memorial gives his rank as Lance Corporal.
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