Killed in action aged 32
Grave unknown
Spencer was born in Middlesbrough, the second son of John, a mining engineer, and Annie Thomson of Eston House, Eston, California, Yorkshire.
He graduated BA from Christ Church in 1904. Commenced service September 1914, 14th attd 2nd Royal Fusiliers, 86th Brigade, 29th Division. He served in Gallipoli, Egypt and France, saw much heavy fighting during 1916, and on 15 April 1917 was slightly wounded. Nine days later he fell in action near Monchy-le-Preux during a forced retirement.
His award of the Military Cross was gazetted on 4 June 1917 following his death in action at Monchy on 24 April 1917. This was a ‘birthday honour’ awarded more for good work over a period than for one specific action.
Probate was granted to Stanley Walters, solicitor. Spencer’s effects amounted to £1800 3s 4d, and his address was given as 12 Charterhouse Square.
On 15 March 1919 A G Thomson (possibly his brother, Arthur) of Windsor Road, Saltburn by the Sea, forwarded an application to the Army in respect of services rendered by the late Captain Spencer Thomson.
Spencer is remembered on the Eston War Memorial “In honour and enduring memory of those brave souls from Eston, Normanby and Barnaby Moor, who gave their lives for their country during the Great War 1914-1918.”