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Memorial courtesy of
Mark Hollis, 2014
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Son of Mr William and Mrs Sarah Spencer
Aged 27 years
Died 17th November 1914
Commemorated on Ypres (Menin Gate) Memorial
Panel 3
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| Born at Rushden. Regular soldier. |
Evening Telegraph, Thursday, 31st December 1914, transcribed by John Collins.
Rushden Man Killed
It is with very sincere regret that we announce the death of Sergt. Bernard Spencer, of the Prince of Wales’ 3rd Dragoon Guards. The deceased was a son of Mr. and Mrs. Spencer, lately of Church-street, Rushden, who are now living at Pavenham, Beds. He was at home on leave for a few hours on his return from Egypt, where his regiment had been stationed prior to leaving for the front. The only intimation of the great loss was an official paper received on Dec. 23rd by his parents stating that Sergt. B. Spencer, of the 3rd Dragoon Guards, had been killed in action on November 17th, and a message expressing the sympathy of their Majesties the King and Queen. Sergt. Spencer was only 27 years of age, and his death will be keenly felt by a large circle of friends, and the sincere sympathy of all goes forth to his parents and relatives in their great loss.
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Kettering Leader, Friday, 8th January 1915, transcribed by John Collins.
Killed in Action - Rushden Sergeant who returned from Egypt
It is with very sincere regret that we announce the death of Sergt. Bernard Spencer, of the Prince of Wales’ 3rd Dragoon Guards. The deceased was a son of Mr. and Mrs. Spencer, of Church-street, Rushden, who are now living in Pavenham, Beds. He was at home on leave for a few hours on his return from Egypt, where his regiment had been stationed prior to leaving for the front. The only intimation of their great loss was an official paper received on Dec. 23rd by his parents stating that Sergt. B. Spencer, of the 3rd Dragoon Guards, had been killed in action on November 17th, and a message expressing the sympathy of their Majesties the King and Queen. Sergt. Spencer was only 27 years of age, and his death will be keenly felt by a large circle of friends and the sincere sympathy of all goes forth to his parents and relatives in their great loss.
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Evening Telegraph, Saturday 23rd January 1915, transcribed by John Collins.
The Late Sergt. Spencer
Miss Ella Spencer, of Pavenham, sister of the late Sergt. Spencer, of Rushden, has written to the front to obtain particulars of her brother’s death, and has received the following reply:- “This morning I had your letter given to me to answer, as the sergeant who received it was a total stranger to your brother. On the evening of the 15th November, 1914, the 3rd D.G. were detailed for duty in the trenches. All went well until the morning of the 17th, when the enemy started to attack us. I, together with another private and your brother, were in the same trench. We successfully held our ground repulsing the enemy every time they attacked. At about 12 noon your brother was shot through the head and killed instantly; and also his bandsman, Private Mildram, who was in the trench with me. I escaped luckily with a bullet graze to my head. I am sincerely sorry to have to describe such a horrible calamity. He was buried behind the trenches as soon as circumstances permitted. Nothing of any personal value was taken off your brother. No. 1 Troop, “C” Squadron. We are very sorry to lose Sergt. B. Spencer. He was one of the best sergeants in the 3rd D.G.s. The above is a small tribute from his troop. I cannot say more. Hoping this will help you a little in your great loss, - I am Miss, yours sincerely, W. Stevens, 3rd Dragoon Guards.”
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