Harold Jack Spencer
From Our Contribution
 | |
| Personal Information | |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | 19 Jan 1902 |
| Place of Birth | Perth, Western Australia |
| Death | 30 Oct 1956, aged 54 |
| Place of Death | Fremantle, Western Australia |
| Age at Enlistment | 39 years, 5 months |
| Description |
5'10½" (1.79m) tall ; 150lbs 68.039 kg ; dark complexion ; brown eyes ; black hair |
| Occupation | Forestry worker |
| Religion | Church of England |
| Address | Third avenue, Kelmscott, Western Australia |
| Next of Kin | Wife , Mrs. Marion Spencer |
| Military Information | |
| Reg Number | WX14317 |
| Date of Enlistment | 18 Jun 1941 |
| Rank | Craftsman |
| Unit/Formation | 2/1st Australian Headquarters Guard Battalion |
| Military Movement | |
| 1st Departure from Australia | |
| Journey Dates | 9 Sep 2942 ‒ 29 Sep 1941 |
| Transport Details | HMT Queen Mary Fremantle to Port Tewfik |
| Return to Australia | |
| Journey Dates | 31 Jan 1943 ‒ 18 Feb 1943 |
| Transport Details | HMAT L4 Middle East to Fremantle |
| 2nd Departure from Australia | |
| Journey Dates | 29 May 1943 ‒ 11 Jun 1943 |
| Transport Details | SS Both Cairns to Merauke |
| Return to Australia | |
| Journey Dates | 19 Nov 1943 ‒ 19 Nov 1943 |
| Transport Details | plane Merauke to Cairns |
| Post War Details | |
| Fate | Returned to Australia twice |
| Medals |
1939-45 Star Africa Star Pacific Star War Medal 1939-45 Australian Service Medal 1939-45 |
Pre War
During 1930 Harold married Marion Gardham (1906 - 1989) in Perth. Children: Enid Isabelle Spencer(1931–); Mary Joy Spencer(1933–1937); William John Spencer(1935–2013), Daisy Spencer; and Janet Spencer. He had previously been a member (W269)of the 10th Light Horse Regiment (Militia) from 29 Nov 1936 until 14 Dec 1939. At the time he was discharged he had an enlarged heart and was unfit for military service.
Electoral Roll entries: 1925 Albany road, Kelmscott, orchardist; 1937 Third avenue, Kelmscott, farmer
War Service
On 18 Jun 1941 Harold enlisted in the 2nd AIF, and following a period of leave without Pay he reported to the 3rd Training Battalion at Northam on 4 Jul 1941. Ten days later he was allocated to the 1st reinforcement draft for the 2/11th Battalion and was granted embarkation leave from 14 - 20 July. On 9 Sep 1941 he embarked in Fremantle aboard HMT Queen Mary which with HMT Queen Elizabeth constituted Convoy US 12A. The convoy sailed on 12 Sep 1941 and arrived at Port Tewfik in Egypt where they disembarked on 23 Sep 1941. On arrival Harold was sent to the 19th Australian Infantry Training Battalion from 29 Sep to 4 Nov 1941 to complete his training. On 4 Nov 1941 he was taken on strength by the Australian Headquarters Guard Battalion, remaining with them until he embarked on 31 Mar 1943 for Fremantle, disembarking there on 18 Feb 1943. Harold entrained for South Australia on 23 Mar 1943 enroute to north Queensland
On 29 May 1943 Harold and his unit embarked in Cairns on SS Both for Merauke in Dutch New Guinea via Thursday Island, arriving there at noon on 3 Jun 1943, but not disembarking until 11 June. On 1 Jul 1943 Harold qualified for Proficiency Pay before being admitted to the 19th Australian Field Ambulance with an injury to his ribs on 18 Oct 1943, returning to his unit on 22 Oct 1943, but was back with the field ambulance from 8 - 19 Nov 1943. On the 19th he was evacuated by plane to the 2/6th Australian General Hospital suffering with severe anxiety.
On 4 Dec 1943 he was transferred to the 2/1st Australian Convalescent Depot. On his release (28 Dec 1943) he returned to Western Australia, and after leave he fronted a Medical Board which assessed him as A1, fit to return to duty on 1 Dec 1944. On 28 Mar 1944 he was transferred to 3rd Australian Advanced Workshop AEME, and on 7 Nov 1944 he was transferred to Western Command Recruit Reception & General Details Depot where he was discharged on 4 Dec 1944.
Post War
Electoral Roll entries; 1949 Kelmscott, farmer; 1954 Third avenue, farmer
Notes