Cause and Place of Death: Killed in Action

BX November 9, 1916

Sergeant William Spencer Killed in Action – Official Notification of Death on June 16 Has Just Arrived. – Boarding house record 

Although Sergeant William Spencer, of this city, overseas with the 58th Battalion, was killed in action about five months ago; official word of the casualty was only received in the city yesterday. The word received here was by Mrs. J. Maddock, of 25 Mohawk Street, with whom Spencer formerly boarded. The delay is accounted for by the fact that the deceased hero’s next of kin resides in the old country, and there was doubt as to his death.

Sergeant Spencer was an old veteran of the Imperial Army. Having served in it for about 21 years, he was drawing a pension. He had served in South Africa, India, Malta, Gibraltar and Aden. He was a single man, 41 years of age, and a resident of this city for nine years. Before enlisting he was employed at the Massey-Harris plant.

This casualty brings to light the fact that for enlistments Mrs. Maddock’s house has made somewhat of a record. In all, 13 of her boarders have answered the call of King and Country. Two of these have already been in the casualty lists, Sergeant Spencer, killed, and Pte. Fred Gold wounded. Eight of the 11 who enlisted from this house are in the 125th Battalion.