Prescot Roll of Honour

Ernest John SPENCER

12, Eaton Street, Prescot

Driver 43275, Royal Field Artillery

Born in Rainhill on 9th April 1882, Ernest was the fourth of seven children to James and Mary Spencer. The 1891 census shows the family living at 51, Cooper Street, Windle, Ernest being a scholar by this time.

At the age of 18 in 1900, Ernest joined the Militia. By this time the family address was 19, Chapel Street, St Helens.

Ernest's Milita papers show that he was working as an iron Monger in St Helens. He signed up for 6 years service and was posted to the 5th/6th Manchester Regiment as Private 7272.

The 1901 census recorded Ernest working as a Wire Drawer. Shortly after this, on 19th July 1901, Ernest signed up for the regular army. He signed for 7 years with the colours and 5 as a reservist and was given the service number of 17500 and posted to the Royal Artillery. His early postings were to Salisbury Plain, and it appears that this is where he met his future wife, Annie Sainsbury as she was born in Wiltshire.

They married at Prescot Parish Church on 27th December 1909 and their son Ernest George was born in 1910. The 1911 census showed the family living at 43, Cross Street, Prescot. Ernest was employed as an 'Export Labourer' at the Cable Works. A daughter, Annie Elizabeth, followed on 3rd October 1912.

Ernest's 12 year service with the Territorial Artillery came to an end in July 1913, and so when he joined the Royal Field Artillery on 5th July 1915, he quickly sailed for France with them on 28th August 1915. the family now lived at Eaton Street, Prescot.

Ernest was reported as being wounded by the Prescot Reporter in 1916, and he returned home for treatment on 17th July 1916. His records show that he suffered from a Gun Shot Wound to the lower hip. After recovering from his wounds, he went back to France on 15th December 1916 and remained there until 12th December 1918, when he returned home. He was discharged from the army on 20th January 1919.