Source: Michael Doyle Their Name Liveth For Evermore: The Great War Roll of Honour for Leicestershire and Rutland.
He was the son of William Job Spence a grocer, born 1862 in Markfield, Leics., and his wife Myra Ann, born 1863 in Shepshed, Leics. John Harry a grocer’s assistant was born in 1895 in Mountsorrel, Leics., his siblings were, Clara Lily a drapers assistant, born 1892 in Plumstead, Kent, Thomas William an apprentice engine fitter, born 1894, Walter Edward a market gardener, born 1897, Arthur a schoolboy and newsboy, born 1898, Edith Jane a schoolgirl, born 1900, George, born 1902, Myra May, born 1904 and Margery Rose, born 1907, the latter seven siblings were all born in Mountsorrel, Leics., in April 1911 the family home was at Main Street, Mountsorrel, Leics. On Friday February 2nd 1917 The Leicester Mercury published the following article under the heading. “THE ROLL OF HONOUR” – Private J. Spence (21), of the Sherwood Foresters, was killed by a trench mortar shell on Jan. 23. His parents live at Granite Corner, Mountsorrel. Letters have been received from the deceased’s officer and the regimental chaplain, the latter speaking of him as being a very fine man, upright and honest, and a hard working soldier, adding that he died a noble death. Before his enlistment Spence was employed at the Campion Cycle Works, at Loughborough. On Friday February 9th 1917 The Melton Mowbray Times & Vale of Belvoir Gazette published the following article under the heading. “MOUNTSORREL”. – LOCAL SOLDIER KILLED. – News has been received of the death in action, on January 23rd, of Private Jack Spence, of the Sherwood Foresters, whose parents reside at Granite Corner, New Road, Mountsorrel. He was 21 years of age. Prior to enlisting, about two years ago, he was employed at the Campion Cycle Works, Loughborough. Mr and Mrs Spence have two other sons with the colours.