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Leading Seaman Albert Edwin Spencer

Born: 3rd April 1888

Date of Death: 31st May 1916

Age: 28

 

Albert Edwin Spencer was born on April 3, 1888, in Enford, Wiltshire, to Thomas and Ann Spencer. In the 1891 Census, Albert is listed as one of nine children—six boys and three girls. His father, Thomas, worked as a farm bailiff, and the family resided at Chisenbury de la Folly, Wiltshire.

In 1899, Albert’s father, Thomas, passed away.

By the 1901 Census, the family had moved to Upavon. Albert, along with his brothers William and Thomas, was working as an agricultural labourer. The family also welcomed a new addition, Albert’s younger brother Frank.

On April 3, 1906, Albert joined the Royal Navy, committing to 12 years of service. He served on various ships, gradually rising to the rank of Able Seaman.

By 1911, Albert was aboard HMS Robin in China, while his mother, Ann, continued to live in Upavon with his brother Alfred, who worked as a golf greenkeeper.

On April 21, 1914, Albert joined HMS Black Prince and was promoted to Leading Seaman in February 1915.

In the fourth quarter of 1915, Albert married Ellen M. Budden in Catherington, Hampshire.

HMS Black Prince was an armoured cruiser in Rear-Admiral Robert Arbuthnot's 1st Cruiser Squadron. The ship took part in the Battle of Jutland, which occurred from May 31 to June 1, 1916, off Denmark's Jutland Peninsula. This was the largest naval battle and the only full-scale clash of battleships during World War I.

During the battle, the Cruiser Squadron served as a screen several miles ahead of the Grand Fleet. Early in the engagement, Black Prince became separated from the rest of the force. Later that night, it encountered the German High Seas Fleet at point-blank range. Powerful searchlights illuminated the ship, and up to five German battleships opened fire. Tragically, there were no survivors from the crew of 858.

Leading Seaman Albert Edwin Spencer (Service Number: 235005), H.M.S. Black Prince, Royal Navy, died on May 31, 1916, at the age of 28. His body was not recovered. He is commemorated with honour on the  Portsmouth Naval Memorial.

Albert’s wife, Ellen, remained in the Portsmouth area and lived until the age of 72, passing away in 1964.

 

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