Source: Michael Doyle Their Name Liveth For Evermore: The Great War Roll of Honour for Leicestershire and Rutland.
He was the son of Abraham Spence, a stone quarry worker, born 1841 in Enderby, Leicestershire and baptised on the 12th January 1842 in the parish church, Enderby and his wife Louisa Spence (nee Hubbard, married in the 4th quarter of 1867 in the Blaby, Leicestershire district), born 1848 in Narborough, Leicestershire. Alfred was born on the 31st December 1889 in Enderby and was baptised on the 1st August 1897 in the parish church, Enderby, his siblings were, Thomas, a stone quarry worker, born 19th September 1871 and baptised on the 3rd December 1871 in the parish church, Enderby, Charley, a horse driver, born 5th January 1874 and baptised on the 4th October 1874 in the parish church, Enderby, John Henry, a shoe trade riveter, born 16th February 1876 and baptised on the 3rd September 1876 in the parish church, Enderby, Ada Louisa, a Griswold knitter, born 14th April 1878 and baptised on the 7th July 1878 in the parish church, Enderby, Alice, a schoolgirl, born 1st March 1881 and baptised on the 7th August 1881 in the parish church, Enderby, Mary Ann, a schoolgirl, born 23rd July 1884 and baptised on the 10th October 1886 in the parish church, Enderby and Walter, a schoolboy, born 6th August 1886 and baptised on the 10th October 1886 in the parish church, Enderby, all his siblings were born in Enderby, in April 1891 the family home was at Mill Hill, Enderby. In March 1901 Alfred was residing in the family home in John Street, Enderby, together with his father, a quarry labourer, his mother and siblings, Ada, a Griswold stocking knitter, Alice, a Griswold stocking knitter, Mary, a Griswold stocking knitter and Walter, a stone carter, also residing in the family home was Alfred’s widowed paternal Grandfather, John Spence, born 1814 in Enderby and baptised on the 17th July 1814 in the parish church, Enderby. In April 1911 Alfred was employed as a rubber trade cutter and was residing in the family home in Townsend Road, Enderby, together with his father, a quarry labourer, his mother and sister, Alice a Griswold knitter, his widowed sister, Emma Herbert, born 20th October 1869 in Enderby and baptised on the 5th December 1869 in the parish church, Enderby and his Niece, Evelyn Emma Bolland, a dressmaker, born 1892 in Enderby
Alfred attested into the Australian Imperial Force on the 24th December 1914 in Melbourne, Victoria. He gave his place of birth as Leicester, his age as 25 years, his trade or calling as labourer and he confirmed that he was unmarried. He gave his mother Mrs. A. Spence of Townsend Road, Enderby, Leicestershire, England as his next of kin. His medical examination recorded that he was 5 foot 4½ inches in height, weighed 10 stone 2 pounds and he had a chest measurement of between 34 and 35 inches. His complexion was described as fair, he had blue eyes and light hair. He gave his religion as Church of England. His record of service began when he joined the Australian Infantry Depot as a Private, service number 1727 on the 24/12/14. Posted to 14th Battalion Australian Infantry on the 10/2/15. Embarked from Melbourne, on H.M.A.T A9 “Shropshire” on the 20/3/15. Proceeded to join the Mediterranean Expeditionary Force in Gallipoli on the 26/5/15. Reported missing in action on the 8/8/15. Reported killed in action on the 8/8/15.
A report dated, 6th April 1916 from 4th Infantry Brigade A.I.F. Headquarters, Serapeum, Egypt records that a Court of Inquiry concluded previously reported missing, now reported killed in action at Dardanelles.
Alfred’s personal effects were forwarded to his mother in a package dated the 24th July 1916, the contents being. Hair and Shaving Brushes, Note Book, Tooth Brush, Pencil Holder, 2 New Testaments, Letter, 1 R/S Badge, Chest Developers.
His mother was awarded a fortnightly pension of two pounds to commence on the 5th March 1916, this award to be reviewed on the 16th October 1916.
Alfred was awarded the 1914-15 Star, British War and Victory medals.
The War Diary records: 8 Aug-15 – 03.00. 14th Battalion moved out in single file in rear of 15th Battalion and crossed KAIAJIK DERE and then deployed into lines of platoons in field on ridge North of KAIAJIK DERE. Here Major RANKINE fainted and Major C. M. M. DARE assumed command of 14th Battalion, and an advance was made under heavy rifle and Machine Gun fire and consequently casualties were very heavy. After the 15th Battalion on our immediate front had practically withered away the 14th continued to advance suffering heavily and the Turks were met in great force on our front and left. As we drove them back they counter-attacked on our left flank several times. The Battalion thus got very split up and it is impossible to say exactly what happened. Orders were then issued to dig in and consolidate the position gained, and prolonging the line held by the 29th Indian Brigade to the left. A Sikh Machine Gun detachment took up a position to protect our left and rear from attack. Here the enemy’s shrapnel opened on our shallow fire pits and considerable damage was done. No reply whatever was made by our artillery and our men continued to suffer from shrapnel. The 16th Battalion successfully drove off a determined counter-attack made by the enemy on our left.
07.30. Orders received from Colonel POPE Commanding 16th Battalion to retire. A reply was despatched asking if it were not possible to hold the ridge running from our left down over KNOLL 60 towards the sea and stating that we could hold what we had gained.
08.30. Another order to retire received from Colonel POPE and stating that the whole Brigade was retiring. Orders were immediately issued to collect all wounded, arms, and equipment and take same to behind our lines. The 14th Battalion then retired by platoons down the KAIAJIK DERE in shell formation together with a few details of the 15th and 16th Battalions. A rear guard being left under command of Captain’s HENRY and GILES. The 4th Brigade Machine Gun Sections under Captain ROSE also protected the retirement and gave good covering fire.
10.00. Retirement completed and all “get atable” wounded and arms brought back. Battalion then bivouacked in AUSTRALIA GULLY for the remainder of the day and night.
Strength :- 14 Officers. 560 Other ranks.
Killed :- 3 Officers, Lieutenant H. R. HARRIS, Lieutenant J. H. MATTHEWS, 2nd Lieutenant T.W. HILL. 33 Other ranks.
Wounded :- 3 Officers, Captain H. N. BOYLE, 2nd Lieutenant K. CURLEVIS, 2nd Lieutenant L. J. MOORHOUSE. 90 Other ranks.
Missing :- 2 Officers, Lieutenant R. WARREN, 2nd Lieutenant L. J. LUSCOMBE. 126 Other ranks.