Webb Edwin Spencer. Died 30 May 1917.
If there is one family who represents the pure modesty and quiet companionship of the British Edwardian family, it is the Spencers of Carey Road, Wokingham. Edwin was originally born in London and baptised by the Wesleyian Methodist Church in 1892.
‘Number 5’ is a small Victorian cottage nestled in a small road just off the top of Finchampstead Road. Carey Road is old, quiet and friendly, its length cutting short just before abutting up to Gypsy Lane. If you look at the 1911 Census on this page, you will see Edwin at 18, a member of an Army Band and his sister, Margaret aged 27, contributing to the family income by teaching music. His father Walter is an agent for the General Assurance Company and at 61 may have been pleasantly surprised to be gifted with a son at the age of 43.
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Due to his military connections, albeit as a musician, Edwin duly joined the King’s (Liverpool Regiment), 1st Battalion at the outset of war in 1914. He was a bandsman and we can easily visualise him playing for his regiment as the ‘Old Contemptibles’ made their way to war. We know that Edwin was later transferred to the 4th Battalion and lost his life on 30thMay 1917, the circumstances as yet unknown. He was buried at the Sunken Road Cemetery in Boisleux St Marc, France, aged 24 and having seen nearly three years of fighting.
In late June 1917 a memorial service was held for him at the Wesleyan Chapel in Rose Street, where he had worshipped and been closely connected with the sunday school.
Photograph by S Huxford 2011
We can only imagine the grief felt by Walter and Mary at the loss of their son. As for his sister Margaret now 34, she no longer has her brother to share her great love of music. There is no recorded marriage for Margaret and do not know of Edwin’s brother Walter, who was possibly a naval leading seaman (1911 census).
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About the Kings (Liverpool Regiment)
First World War
Forty-nine battalions of the King’s Liverpool Regiment were in existence during the First World War. Your relative is likely to have been in one of three basic types: Regular, Territorial or New Army.
Regular 1st, 2nd, 3rd (Reserve) & 4th (Extra Reserve)
The Reserve Battalions were made up from recalled Reservists. The 1st Battalion served in France from 4 August 1914, and the 4th from 6 March 1915. (Edwin served in both the 1st and 4th battalions). The 2nd Battalion remained in India throughout the War, while the 3rd Battalion remained in the UK.
Territorial
Six Territorial Battalions existed before the outbreak of the First World War: 5th, 6th Liverpool Rifles, 7th, 8th Liverpool Irish, 9th, and 10th Liverpool Scottish. In 1914 these battalions accepted new recruits to expand to war strength. In September and October 1914 they formed new second line battalions which were numbered 2/5th, 2/6th etc; the original first line battalions became 1/5th etc. The first line battalions went to France in late 1914 and early 1915, while the second line battalions went to France in February 1917. Third line battalions, 3/5th etc, were formed in May 1915 and remained in the UK.
Turning of the Leaves at Liverpool Cathedral
Edwin isn’t really forgotten. He mayhave temporarily slipped Wokingham’s mind, but he and his regiment are recalled every year at Liverpool Cathedral:
‘In Liverpool Cathedral there are three books containing the names of those who died in the service of the Regiment in each of the two world wars and in post war conflicts particularly in Korea and Northern Ireland. These books are permanently open for visitors to the cathedral to see.
Four times each year as part of the Evensong Service the pages or leaves of each book are turned. The Regiment is represented by the Liverpool Branch of the Association on each occasion. When events permit members of I Kings, KCR and Liverpool University OTC are also present. Occasionally relatives of those who died attend as well as visitors to the cathedral, usually people with connections to the city.
As part of the Evensong Service three members of the Association are escorted to the books and each turns over a page in each book. After the turning the names of those appearing on each page are published in the newsletter.
The service starts at 5.30pm and is always held on a Thursday. Once the service is over at about 6pm those attending usually inspect the three books before leaving the cathedral. Everyone is welcome to attend’.
Read more by clicking on: The Kings (Liverpool Regiment) from the Liverpool Museum.