Menin Gate Memorial
Brenda McMahon has submitted the following:-
Spencer was born March 23rd 1896 the son of Charles and Annie (nee Rudd) of North Close Farm, Kirk Merrington. The couple who had married March 24th 1892 had 6 children together but sadly 2 died.
1901 shows his father Charles working as a farmer. His children were John Reuben, Charles, George (died aged 9 years). Also living at the farm were his father’s brother, Robert, a herdsman plus 3 workers including a domestic servant.
In 1911 life was much as before except two of John’s sons were now helping on the farm ie John and Charles. His other 2 brothers were still at school. His farm workers had now changed. Another 2 sons had been born since the 1901 census namely Sidney who was born in 1907 but died in 1908 and Robert Henry who was born in 1901.
After Spencer enlisted he was sent to France on July 15th 1915 but within 4 months he was killed in action whilst fighting at Sanctuary Wood. The war diary for 08/11/1915 reads as follows:-“Our guns initiated bombardment at 10.00am to which enemy promptly replied with guns and trench mortars. Special attention was being given to trench B2 and Gorballs (C.T.). Casualties 5, all B company.”It was during this skirmish that Spencer was killed as he is listed of the battalion casualty list for November 1915.
Monies due Spencer were allocated to mother. She received £2.12s7d plus £4.10s.0d war gratuity.
His father, Charles, who died on 29/05/1944 leaving a substantial estate amounting to £4436.12s.9d.
Medals: 1915 Star, British War Medal and Victory Medal
Rather than staying to work on the farm Spencer's brother Robert decided to go to sea. He progressed well and became master of the steamer Balmoral Wood which had recently been built at Hawthorn Leslie on the Tyne.
Unfortunately, he was killed when his vessel was at Trangsund, Finland on November 17 1937. He tripped and fell down the stairs leading to his cabin. His skull was fractured. He was aged 36 when he died. Hartlepool Northern Daily Mail 02/12/1937. His ship was eventually torpedoed in during WW2 in 1940 and sank whilst carrying wheat and an aircraft to Falmouth.
Carol Hird has provided this photo which first appeared in the Northern Echo 08/11/1915.
Spencer Scurr is remembered in Kirk Merrington on K26.01
