Spencer Charles Ashenden

A Sergeant with 1st Bn., Spencer died on 22nd of July 1941 at the age of 28.

Spencer was born at Hawkhurst, Kent, on 4 August 1912, a son of Thomas and Ellen Amelia Ashenden. He was baptised at Saint Laurence with All Saints' Church, Hawkhurst, on 13 October 1912 and his family lived at 1 Grassmere Terrace, Woodbury Road, Hawkhurst. Later his parents lived at High-gate Hill, Hawkhurst, Kent. 

Spencer was educated at Cranbrook School and worked for Mr. T. Beech, of Leatherhead, as a dispenser. He was a member of the Leatherhead and District Opera and Dramatic Society. In 1939 he was living at 16 Church Road, Wimbledon, and working as a chemist's dispenser. 

Spencer joined the Army at the outbreak of the war and served initially with the Royal Fusiliers before being transferred to the Royal Sussex Regiment. Spencer served throughout the campaign in Abyssinia and was attached to headquarters staff for clerical duties. He died from heat exhaustion. 

Spencer married Helen Rita Bowness in 1940. 

Helen settled in Lowestoft and lived at 4 Stradbroke House, High Street, Lowestoft.  See house on LowestoftOldAndNow.org