Spencer,+Fletcher


 * Private Fletcher Spencer** of the 2nd Battalion, Duke of Wellington's (West Riding Regiment) Service No: 23633.



1880: Birth in Denholme, Bradford, in the second quarter of the year, registered in Bradford. Son of George and Emma Spencer. 1881: Census. Age 1 year, living at 7 Back George Street, Thornton, Bradford, with parents and elder brother. Father's occupation: Worsted Weaver. 1891: Census. Age 11 years, living at 6, Bond Street, Denholme, with parents three brothers and one sister. Father's occupation: Worsted Weaver. Fletcher's occupation: Mill Hand. 1901: Census. Age 21 years, living at 8, Hawk Street, Keighley, with parents, four brothers and one sister. Father's occupation: Mohair Wool Washer. Fletcher's occupation: Mohair Wool Sorter. 1911: Census. Age 30 years, living at 114, Emily Street, Keighley, with parents, three brothers and one sister. Father's occupation: Greengrocer. Fletcher's occupation: Wool Sorter. (George and Emma Spencer had 11 children by the time of the 1911 census, five of whom had died) 1915: Attestation for the Army on 11th December. In the reserves from 12th December. Age 35 years 8 months, Height 5 feet 1 inch. Chest 40 inches. 1916: Home service from 11th August until 10th January 1917. 1917: Entered France on 11th January with 2nd Battalion, West Riding. Next of kin: Mother Emma Spencer, of 114, Emily Street, Keighley. Private Fletcher Spencer was posted missing on 3rd May, on the first day of the 2nd Battle of Bullecourt. This was part of the larger operation of the Arras offensive at the time. He was later listed as having been killed in action on 3rd May. Total service, 1 year, 145 days. He is buried in Brown's Copse cemetery, Roeux, France. Plot II, Row F, Grave 11. (about 7 or 8 km East of Arras) 1918: Probate record published (see transcription below). 1920: 14th December, Memorial Plaque received by his mother. 1921: 30th January, British War Medal received by his mother. 26th March, Victory Medal received by his mother.

He is remembered in the Keighley Great War Roll of Honour book in Keighley Library.