Charles SPENCER

25 January 1918

SPENCER – January 15th, 1918, at the 3rd Stationary Hospital, France, from wounds received in action on the Western Front, Pte. Charles Spencer, West Riding Regiment, eldest son of Mr. and Mrs. John Spencer, George Street, Carleton, aged 33 years.

25 January 1918

CARLETON-IN-CRAVEN – PRIVATE SPENCER DIES FROM WOUNDS

Mr. and Mrs. John Spencer, of George Street, Carleton, have received news that their eldest son, Private Charles Spencer, of the West Riding Regiment, died from wounds received in action about January 10th 1918 on the Western Front at the 3rd Stationary Hospital, France. Private Spencer joined Kitchener’s Army on December 26th 1914, and went out to France in June 1915. He had had leave twice and went back to France on October 1st 1917, from his last leave. He was 33 years of age. A very good soldier and a bomber, he was always very cheerful and quite fearless. Before joining the Colours he was employed by Mr. Slater Edmondson, Barnoldswick, as a weaver.

A letter received from the Chaplain, dated January 16th, says:– “Dear Mrs. Spencer, – I am sorry indeed to have to write and tell you of the death of your dear son here last night. Poor dear boy; at first there seemed no reason at all why he should not do well, but about three days ago there came a sudden and violent rise in temperature and it soon became evident that he was absorbing poison from his wound. Yesterday he was unconscious, or rather wandering a good deal of the time, but he knew me both in the morning and afternoon, and he sent his love to you, his father, also to Will and his small nephew, and to my old friend John. Your son and I found each other out the day after his arrival, and I saw a good deal of him and grew fond of him. He was wonderfully patient and contented, and we are much grieved that his life could not be saved. I feel more than sorry for you and the all too many others who have lost their dear ones in this terrible war. May God in his mercy comfort you all. I will write you in a day or two telling you where and when your son is buried, and I shall be so grateful for John’s address as I should like to write to him. With much sympathy, sincerely yours, JOHN W. B. PAGE.”

17 January 1919

SPENCER – In loving memory of our son, Private Charles Spencer, who died of wounds received in action January 16th, 1918.

He little thought his time so short,
In this world to remain;
We have lost but heaven has gained
One of the best the world contained.

From his Father, Mother, and Brother John (somewhere in France), 10 George Street, Carleton.

16 January 1920

SPENCER – In loving memory of Pte. Charles Spencer, who died of wounds received in action January 16th, 1918.

Dearest son, how we miss you
More and more as time goes by.
But in heaven we hope to meet you
Where we never say good-bye.

From his Father, Mother, Brother and Sister and Nephew Will, 10 George Street, Carleton.