Source: Michael Doyle Their Name Liveth For Evermore: The Great War Roll of Honour for Leicestershire and Rutland.
He was the son of Nathaniel Spencer, a railway engine driver, born in the January quarter of 1852 in Glooston, Leicestershire (son of William Spencer, 1809-1885 and Eliza Knight, 1811-1899) and his wife Matilda Spencer (nee Cowlishaw, married in the July quarter of 1876 in the Ashby de la Zouch, Leicestershire district), born in the July quarter of 1858 in Woodhouse Mill, Rotherham, Yorkshire and baptised on the 26th September 1858 in All Saint’s Church, Aston cum Aughton, Yorkshire (daughter of Joel Cowlishaw, 1815-1886 and Hannah Gregson, 1816-1880). George was born in the January quarter of 1891 in Donington le Heath, Leicestershire his siblings were, William Spencer Cowlishaw, a clerk timekeeper, born in the April quarter of 1876 and Frances Elizabeth, born in the April quarter of 1878, the latter two siblings were both born in Swannington, Leicestershire, Annie Louisa, a schoolgirl, born in the January quarter of 1880 and baptised on the 2nd July 1880 in Christ Church, Coalville, Leicestershire, Martha, a schoolgirl, born in the January quarter of 1882 and Clara, a schoolgirl, born in the April quarter of 1883, the latter three siblings were all born in Coalville, Herbert, a schoolboy, born on the 20th October 1884, Austin, a schoolboy, born on the 3rd September 1887 and Nathaniel, born in the July quarter of 1889, the latter three siblings were all born in Donington le Heath, in April 1891 the family home was at North Road, Hugglescote and Donington, Leicestershire. In March 1901 George was residing in the family home at 79, Belvoir Road, Coalville, together with his father, a railway engine driver, his mother and siblings, William, a coal miner, hewer, Martha, Herbert, a coal miner, horse driver, Austin, a coal miner, horse driver, Nathaniel, Harry, born in the April quarter of 1892, Florence, born in the July quarter of 1893, Ada Matilda, born in the April quarter of 1895 and Gertrude Eliza, born in the July quarter of 1896, the latter four siblings were all born in Hugglescote. In April 1911 George was employed as a collier and was residing in the family home at 166, Belvoir Road, Coalville, together with his father, a Midland Railway Company railway engine driver, his mother and siblings, William, a collier, Herbert, a collier, Austin, a collier, Nathaniel, a collier, Harry, a brick trade loader, Ada, a mother’s help in the home and Marion Amelia, a mother’s help in the home, born in the July quarter of 1901 in Belvoir Road, Coalville. George’s father died aged 60 years on the 2nd August 1912 in Coalville.
George’s army service enlistment documents do not survive, therefore the currently available information pertaining to his military service has been obtained from the following sources: - 1921 HMSO Publication, Soldiers Died in the Great War, 1914 - 1919, Army Registers of Soldiers’ Effects, WW1 Pension Ledgers and Index Cards and the Commonwealth War Graves Commission Registers.
Enlisted/Attested in Coalville into the Regular Army. Date not known.
Joined. At Leicester. Date not known.
Posted. To Leicestershire Regt. Pte. Date not known.
Allotted the Regimental Service number 20233.
Posted. To 3rd Bn. Leicestershire regt. Pte. Date not known.
Posted. To Patrington Camp, Yorkshire. Date not known.
Died in Patrington Camp, Yorkshire. 28/11/15.
Buried in St. Patrick’s Churchyard, Patrington, Yorkshire, England.
In the event of his death, George nominated his mother Matilda as his sole legatee.
George’s mother Matilda Spencer of 55, York Street, Bingley, Yorkshire, latterly of 12, Southmont Street, Beeston Hill, Leeds, Yorkshire was awarded a weekly Army Dependant’s Pension of five shillings, this was terminated on the 9th December 1921 upon her marriage on the 17th December 1921 to Louis Weatherill Leadbeater.
On Friday December 3rd 1915, The Melton Mowbray Times & Vale of Belvoir Gazette published the following article under the heading. “DISTRICT WAR ITEMS.” – VERDICT OF MANSLAUGHTER AGAINST A COMRADE. A fatal quarrel between two Leicestershire soldiers was reported to the Holderness Coroner at Hull on Monday, and an inquest was held the same night on Private George Spencer, of the 3rd Battalion Leicestershire Regiment. A verdict of manslaughter was returned against Private Bolesworth, of the 3rd Leicester’s. From the evidence it appeared that Ptes. Spencer, Fitchett, Flamson and Daniels, of the same regiment, on Saturday night, were returning from Patrington. After visiting a public house, they met Bolesworth, when Spencer, in reply to Bolesworth, said they were a picket, which they were not. This seemed to irritate Bolesworth, who struck Spencer in the face, knocking him down. He was picked up and taken to the camp. Next morning, he was found dead in bed. Spencer was aged 34, and belonged to Ravenstone, near Leicester.
On Tuesday, December 21st, 1915, The Leicester Daily Mercury published the following article on page seven, under the heading. – Leicester Soldier’s Tragic Death. – At Withernsea Police Court, yesterday afternoon, Sydney Bolesworth, a private in the 3rd Leicester’s, was charged with the manslaughter of another soldier of the same regiment named George Spencer.
From the evidence it appeared that prisoner struck Spencer with his fist on Saturday night, on their return to camp after exchanging a few words. Spencer, who fell with his head on the road, was assisted to camp, but was found dead next morning. Bolesworth was committed to the next Assizes, reserving his defence.
On Friday, January 14th, 1916, The Leicester Mail published the following article on page 5, under the heading. – LOCAL CASUALTIES. – COALVILLE SOLDIER’S DEATH. – Mrs. Spencer, of Bradford, widow of the late Mr. Nat Spencer, formerly of Belvoir Road, Coalville, has suffered the loss of her son, Private Geo. Spencer, of the 3/5th Leicester’s, who died recently while training in Yorkshire.
[recognitum XXV-XI-MMXXII]

Source: Leicestershire War Memorials Project.
Coalville Times article - Friday December 3rd, 1915

Coalville Soldier's Death - Verdict of Manslaughter against a comrade.

An inquest was held at Hull on Monday, concerning the death of Private George Spencer, of the 3rd Battalion, Leicestershire Regiment at Patrington. A verdict of manslaughter was returned against Private Bolesworth of the 3rd Leicesters.

From the evidence it appeared that Privates Spencer, Fitchett, Flamson, and Daniels, of the same regiment, on Saturday night were returning from Patrington. After visiting a public house they met Bolesworth, when Spencer in reply to Bolesworth, said they were a picket which they were not. This seemed to irritate Bolesworth who struck Spencer in the face, knocking him down. He was picked up and taken to camp. Next morning he was found dead in bed.

Private George Spencer was a Coalville man, being the son of the late Mr Nat. Spencer, a railway engine-driver, who lived in Belvoir Road, and died about three years ago. Spencer enlisted about last Whitsuntide and was in military training in Hull. Prior to joining the army he was working at the Whitwick Colliery and lodged with his sister, Mrs Plowman, of Church Lane, Ravenstone, the wife of Driver Plowman of the Royal Artillery. Another sister of the deceased, Mrs Brewin Lakin, also resides at Ravenstone and he had other sisters who reside at Coalville and a brother who is serving in the navy. For a time after his father died, Spencer worked at a colliery in Yorkshire. He was a single man, 24 years of age.

Coalville Times article - Friday December 24th, 1915

Coalville Soldier's Tragic Death - Comrade committed for trial

At Withernsea Police Court, on Monday afternoon, Sydney Bolesworth, a private in the 3rd Leicesters, was charged with the manslaughter of another soldier of the same regiment, named George Spencer.

From the evidence it appeared that prisoner struck Spencer with his fist on Saturday night on their return to camp after exchanging a few words. Spencer, who fell with his head on the road, was assisted to camp, but was found dead next morning. Bolesworth was committed to the next Assizes, reserving his defence.

Spencer was a Coalville man, formerly residing in Belvoir Road. Immediately before enlisting, he lodged with his sister, Mrs Plowman, of Church Lane, Ravenstone, and worked at the Whitwick colliery.

Coalville Times article - Friday January 14th, 1916

LOCAL NEWS

COALVILLE SOLDIER’S DEATH

Mrs Spencer, of Bradford, widow of the late Mr Nat. Spencer, formerly of Belvoir Road, Coalville, has received a letter from Lord Kitchener expressing the sympathy of the King and Queen with her on the death of her son, Pte. George Spencer, of the 3/5th Leicesters, which occurred recently while he was in training in Yorkshire. Mrs Spencer has also received a letter of condolence from Lord Aberconway and one from Capt. T. L. Angel. Before the war, Pte. Spencer worked at the Whitwick Colliery and lodged with his sister Mrs Plowman, at Ravenstone.

Coalville Times article - Friday March 17th, 1916

COALVILLE SOLDIER’S DEATH

A LEICESTERSHIRE D.C.M.

ACQUITTED OF MANSLAUGHTER CHARGE
At York Assizes on Wednesday, Sydney Bolesworth, of the 3rd Battalion Leicestershire Regiment, was acquitted of the charge of manslaughter of George Spencer, also a private in the same regiment. Spencer died at Patrington, East Yorkshire.

Mr Justice Low regretted that Bolesworth, who had been awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal and the French Cross for gallantry, should have been detained in prison in connection with the case for two months, but he could leave the court without the slightest stain on his character.

Private Spencer was a son of the late Mr Nat Spencer, of Belvoir Road, Coalville, and before he enlisted, was lodging with his sister at Ravenstone, and working at the Whitwick Colliery.

Coalville Times article - Friday December 12th, 1919

IN MEMORIAM

Spencer – A token of love and remembrance of Harry Spencer, who died May 8th, 1918; also of Private George Spencer, who died November 27th, 1915.

From Mother, Brothers and Sisters.

Coalville Times article – Friday April 2nd, 1920

WAR MEMORIAL AT HUGGLESCOTE CHURCH

UNVEILED BY COL. R. E. MARTIN

A tablet which has been placed in Hugglescote Parish Church, to the memory of men from the parish who fell in the war, was unveiled by Lt.-Colonel R. E. Martin, C.M.G., on Saturday afternoon in the presence of a large congregation.

The tablet is of excellent design, in keeping with the handsome edifice, and is of a permanent character, the names of 101 men being inscribed on Swithland slate, set in a frame of Ketton stone, surmounted by a cross and crown encircled in a carved laurel wreath, with similar carvings on either side. The inscription runs as follows:

“Their name liveth for evermore.”

“To the Glory of God, and in imperishable memory of the men of the parish who fell in the great war, 1914 – 1918.”

The names of the men inscribed on the tablet are as follows:-

H. A. Attwood, C. T. Beadman, J. Brooks, W. Baker, J. E. Briggs, H. G. Blackham, J. T. Bishop, J. Barrs, G. Barrs, R. Beadman, E. Bonser, G. Beale, J. G. Bennett, E. S. Boot, W. Berrisford, F. J. Betteridge, F. P. Benistone, J. W. Cawley, F. Chamberlain, J. A. Crookes, R. A. Cross, L. Cross, J. Cox, P. Cliff, J. W. F. Collier, C. Drewett, H. B. Drewett, S. Dodds, A. Elkin, H. C. Elkin, J. Farn, H. Fletcher, H. Finch, L. Finch, G. Firban, G. Gadsby, A. Gamble, S. F. Gamble, W. Gray, W. O. Hoden, O. Hallam, B. Hatter, J. Haywood, W. Hill, F. Hill, J. E. Hibbert, G. Hart, G. H. Highfield, E. Harper, J. W. Harper, H. Hall, J. E. Holmes, J. Jones, W. Jones, F. J. Kirby, I. V. Kelham, H. Lewis, W. Lewis, W. Massey, H. O. Moseley, T. Marriott, G. Martin, J. A. Moult, J. Maunders, J. Moon, I. Mycroft, W. Newbold, O. H. Pratt, J. A. Pegg, F. Pink, E. H. Palmer, W. Riley, A. T. Richardson, W. Rogers, C. Simmons, E. A. Stinchcombe, J. Summers, S. Summers, C. Shilton, G. Slatter, J. Smith, J. C. Shaw, S. Smith, G. Spencer, S. C. Smith, J. W. Setchell, W. Statham, A. G. Tovell, S. T. Timson, J. Tebbatt, F. Whitmore, E. Willett, B. Walker, H. Watson, C. H. Walker, J. Woods, T. Willett, A. Wright, A. Wood, J. Young and W. Young.

As the congregation passed into the church, members of the Hugglescote Church Lads’ Brigade, with the ex-Sergt.-Major W. Hill in charge, lined up on either side of the entrance and two of the Brigade with bowed heads and leaning on reversed rifles, stood by the memorial, covered with the Union Jack.

The service, which was very impressive, was conducted by the Rev. Canon Broughton (vicar) and opened with the hymn, “Stand up for Jesus.” Then followed prayers and collects. Psalm 130, and a lesson read by the Rev. J. C. Wallace, after which the clergy and choir proceeded to the memorial, led by the churchwardens, Messrs. W. E. Canner and J. W. Fletcher.

In unveiling the tablet, Colonel Martin said “To the glory of God and in imperishable memory of the men of this parish who fell in the great war 1914 – 1918, I unveil this tablet, which has been erected by their fellow parishioners in grateful recognition of their self-sacrifice.”

The “Last Post” having been sounded by buglers of the Church Lads’ Brigade, the choir and clergy returned to their places and Colonel Martin gave an address from the chancel steps.

He spoke of the memorable days in August 1914, when the principles on which our national life is based were being assailed, and it was the part of every true man to stand in defence of them. They had tangible proof that the spirit which was then evoked in the nation was the same spirit as that shown by their forefathers who went out to fight country’s enemies. He would never forget the day about the end of August, 1914, when the North Midland Territorial Division, which had been mobilised about three weeks, was told to fill up its ranks for service abroad. It fell to him, among others, to come back into Leicestershire to try and explain to the people what they were up against, and he remembered what a splendid response they gave. In the North Midland Division, between 80 and 90 per cent of the men said they were prepared to go anywhere, though many of them were married men who had never experienced Army service before. Many things have happened since – much self-seeking, a desire to get rich quickly, many apparent inequalities of justice and self-sacrifice – but he was sure they could all take comfort from the fact that there was tangible proof given in those days that the nation was sound at heart and could be trusted to do the right thing when the crisis really arose. And what happened when the armies got overseas and began their real work? He ventured to say that no one had the privilege of serving in a better battalion. The men from that district – Coalville men they always called them – were a splendid lot of men filled with genuine enthusiasm for fitting themselves for the part which they had to play, and who on getting across the water, proved themselves as good as the best. He went on to speak of evidences of practical Christianity displayed by the men, and of deeds of heroism which came to his notice. One instance he recalled was when they were between Hill 60 and Ypres. When the Brigadier realised that he had in the ranks men accustomed to mining, he formed a number of Coalville men into a mining section, whose duty it was to construct projecting galleries in front of the trenches, to find out if the Germans were under-mining. One day a member of the party came across a German mine filled with German explosives in large quantities, and it would have been a very natural thing for him to want to get away from it as soon as possible, but instead of that, he crawled over the top and disconnected the mine and came back and reported it to his commanding officer. This man, whose name was Starbuck, had no thought for his own safety, but first took steps to safeguard his comrades.

Proceeding, Col. Martin said his services came to an end in October, 1915, but he had always felt ever since then that the war had been worth while, if for nothing else than for the fine spirit it brought out, and if the same spirit could be shown in regard to present day problems, it would go a long way towards reaching a solution. He was not one of those who said this country ought to have stood aside and have taken advantage of the trade while other countries were fighting. The people, who said that, he thought, were wrong. He thought that what the people of this country did when they found what they were up against should be an example and pattern to them now. If the war had done nothing else, with all the misery, self-sacrifice and sorrow, he believed they were worth while because they afforded the opportunity which was taken by so many of showing a truly Christian spirit. He believed that experience had not been lost, but would help them to get through present day difficulties with credit to themselves.

The closing hymn was 11, “For all the saints,” and a collection was taken for St. Dunstan’s Hostel for Blind Soldiers and Sailors. As the congregation were leaving the church, Mr F. Baxter (organist) played, “O, rest in the Lord.” Before and after the service, peals were rung with the bells half-muffled.

Research undertaken and submitted (including photograph from the Coalville Times) by Andy Murby 10/09/2017