Gunner Edward Spencer. 

3446 Royal Field Artillery 21st Btty. 2nd Bde.

Killed in Action 21st April 1917, aged 32.

Edward was born about 1884 near Barnsley, Yorkshire. The son of William and Frances Spencer. In the 1891 census the family were living at Mount Pleasant, Birtley, Durham. William 38 miner, born in Penistone, Yorkshire.  Frances 34 born in Leeds, Yorkshire, Fanny 11, Clara 9, Edward 7, John 3 and Ellen 1. All the children were born in the Barnsley area.

By the time of the 1901 census the family had moved to Burnley and were living at 23 Admiral St. William 48, having lost his first wife had married Sarah 54 who was born in Manchester. Edward 16 a miner, John 14 a miner, Helen 10, William 5.

In the 1911 census the family lived at 4 Laycock St, Burnley. William 58, Edward 27, William 15, Nellie 21 and a Mary Gray 49 and housekeeper.

Edward married Mary C McGreal in the sept quarter of 1911 in Burnley.

From the Burnley News dated 2nd May 1917: KILLED IN DUG-OUT. BURNLEY GUNNER’S FATE AT DUTY POST

Gunner Edward Spencer, R.F.A., of 32 Eastham-street, Burnley, is reported in a letter from his brother, Driver John Spencer, A.S.C., to have been killed in a dugout by a German shell on the night of April 21st. The letter, which was to their father, Mr. Wm. Spencer, of 4 Laycock-street, stated that Edward was killed while at his post of duty. He was seated at a telephone, in a dugout, carrying out signalling duties when the shell burst. The brother, who was serving in the vicinity, writes that on hearing of his death he hurried to see his funeral, but was just too late. Sincere sympathy will be extended to deceased widow, who is left with three children, the youngest of whom (aged seven months) their father had not seen. Mrs. Spencer received a letter from one of her husband’s comrades at the Front, who stated on behalf of the signalling staff, that Gunner Spencer was very much liked by all the men, and they sent their deepest sympathy.
Gunner Spencer joined up two years ago. He was formerly a miner at Rumley Pit. He was a member of the Burnley United Irish League and had served on the committee. He attended St. Mary’s Church, and was a member of the Men’s Sodality. He was thirty two. His two brothers, John and Willie, respectively drivers in the A.S.C. and the Burnley Howitzer Brigade are at the Front. Mrs Spencer has one brother serving.

From The Express and Advertiser dated 19 May 1917: KILLED AT TELEPHONE. BURNLEY COLLIERS FATE.

This week Mrs Spencer of 32 Eastham Street Burnley, has received official news of the death in action on April 21st of her husband, Gunner 3446 Edward Spencer, of the Welsh RFA. Mrs Spencer first learnt of her loss through her brother-in-law Driver John Spencer, of the ASC, who wrote to his father, who resides at 4 Laycock Street, informing him that Edward had been killed by a shell on the night of April 21st whilst seated at a telephone in a dugout carrying out signalling duties.  Driver Spencer who was serving in the vicinity, stated that on hearing of Edwards death he went over to see the funeral, but was too late.

 Mrs Spencer has received three letters. In one the Reverend W Keary wrote: "I blessed his grave and buried him, and you will be pleased to know that all who spoke to me about him spoke very highly of him. God rest his soul, and may He help you to here to bare the great trial his death must be to you." Bombardier Alexander wrote: "all who knew your husband sympathize deeply. All the staff were his friends and liked him very much. He died while at his duty, and a better death no man can die. He died almost instantaneously, without any pain whatever. He was buried by his own Chaplain, and his grave is well tended by those who knew him. I hope you will not worry too much, as he gave his life as thousands of others have done."

Mrs Spencer is left with three children, the youngest of which her husband never saw. Aged 32 years and formerly a minor at Rowley Pit, Gunner Spencer joined the army 2 years ago. He was a member of the Burnley United Irish League, and had served on the committee. He attended St Mary's Church, and was a member of the Men's Sodality. Gunner Spencer who had been on active service since June last has two brothers serving in France.

Lived at 32 Eastham Street.

Edward left his effects to his widow Mary.

Edward was buried in Fosse No.7 Military Cemetery, France: Grave Ref; Special Memorial 13.