John William Stanley's Story.
The Weaverham “Roll of Honour” has one Spruce lad and that is J.W.S. Spruce. The “Fallen” Memorial records Jn. W.S. Spruce Pte.
William lived at 26 High Street, Weaverham, as recorded on William’s attestation and service documents. William was attested on the 26th Dec. 1914, at Birkenhead. He was 32 and his “Calling” is recorded as a Joiner. John was married, Fanny Spruce, nee Jameson, this was at St. Mary’s, Weaverham, on the 31st Oct. 1912. (The details confirmed with cheshirebmd.) John had complete previous service with the 3rd Bn, Cheshire and it appears he was recorded as a National Reservist. John’s service “Reckons” from 28th Dec. 1914, when he was posted, Private, with a Cheshire Reg’t. No 12268. John embarked on the 6th March 1915 and joined his Battalion on the 11th March 1915.
Guardian Article 21st May 1915 P6/C2. WEAVERHAM MAN REPORTED MISSING. A STRANGE DISAPPEARANCE.
A report has reached Weaverham that Pte. Spruce is missing and the circumstances are very peculiar. A highly respected resident of the village his father, who is proprietor of the Wheatsheaf Hotel has received a letter stating that Pte. Spruce was wounded while in the trenches. After removing another wounded soldier the ambulance men returned with the intention of carrying Spruce to a place of safety but could not fine any trace of him. In the spot where he had lain a letter was picked up and he had apparently just opened it. The letter was from his wife and it was through finding this that a member of the Ambulance Corps. has communicated with Spruce’s father and informed him his son is missing. It is feared that Pte. Spruce may have fallen into the hands of the enemy. His parents have written to the War Office but no further information had been obtained as to his whereabouts.
Guardian Article 15th Oct. 1915 P5/C1.
In the neighbouring village of Weaverham news has been received that Private J. W. Spruce of the 2nd Cheshires, who has been missing since April, died in a German Hospital from wounds about the latter end of May. Though fearing the worst, those nearest and dearest to him kept in hoping that he would be restored too them but an official notification of his death has now come through the British Red Cross.
Guardian Article 15th Oct. 1915 P5/C3.
This may be part of a longer article? The Official list of British Casualties, published on June 1st contained the name of Private Spruce, and he was reported as having been wounded on April 25th. Since that date neither his wife nor his parents have had any news of him, but in the early part of June several letters from local soldiers arrived in the neighbourhood of Weaverham, stating that he had been killed in action. In view of the Official Communications from the Red Cross Society, which we now publish, the statements contained in the letters from some of his comrades appear to have been founded on report only.
It now seems quite clear that as Private Spruce lay wounded in the trenches he was captured by the Germans and his death occurred a few days later. Private Spruce leaves a widow and one child. He was very popular with his comrades in the 2nd Cheshires, and was highly respected in the village of Weaverham. In civil life he interested himself in various good objects and was one of the founders of the Hospital Saturday Movement in Weaverham, being vice chairman of the local committee. Before joining the Army he also served as a special constable. Buffaloism claimed his attention and the “Sportsman’s” Lodge, Northwich of the Ancient Order has lost a true and valued member.
C.W.G.C. remember a J.W.S. Spruce at KORTRIJK (ST. JAN) COMMUNAL CEMETERY, Belgium. The date of John’s death is Wednesday 28th April 1915. The information goes on to say John was with the 2nd Bn. Cheshire Regiment, No 12268. Husband of Mrs. Fanny Wilson (formerly Spruce) of 5, Forest St. Weaverham, Northwich, Cheshire.
Service Documents, still readable in the file included the note confirming the family had received the Scroll and King’s Message, the medals, Victory, British and 15 star. There was also a note about a pension, this had been awarded to the value of 15/-, (15 shillings, 75p) the document also made reference to one child. (Freebmd confirms an Alice M. Spruce was born with the mothers maiden name Jameson in Northwich districts.)
N.A.M.C. - have one card for John, which confirms he was awarded the British, Victory and 15 Star medals, the Theatre of War was France and the Date of Entry was 6th March 1915. The medal card records P/o/W and D.o.W. 28/4/15.
The 1911 census has the Spruce family living on the High St. Weaverham
William Henry Hd. 53 Hotel Keeper Northwich
Sarah Ann W. 49 Northwich
John William S. 28 Chemical Labourer Northwich
Mabel Stuart Brown G.D. 7 School Weaverham
B. M. & Co. Reference to Chemical Labourer suggest John may have worked at Brunner Mond, which he did, he is included on their “R.o.H.” booklet at Winnington Works, Spruce, John Wm. Pte. 2nd Cheshires, Presumed Dead.
Research Bob Heaton