Alexander Spence 
Biography of Alexander Spence
Lance Corporal Alexander Spence was born in Glasgow in 1913 and attended St Mungo's Academy. His parents were both Lithuanian, his father, Adam was a miner. Spence studied at the University from 1932, during which time he was in receipt of several grants, including a Carnegie Trust Grant and the Education Authority Grant. He was awarded a a First Class Certificate for the Ordinary Spanish and Literature class in 1935, and graduated MA (Hons) in 1937. He spoke both Lithuanian and French and became a schoolteacher.
Spence enlisted in the Royal Army Medical Corps on 14 November 1940. He was posted to the Middle East on 1 June 1941, serving with 14 Light Field Ambulance. On 12 January 1942 he was compulsorily transferred to the Intelligence Corps and posted to 272 Field Security Section in the rank of lance corporal. At that time 272 FSS was fulfilling a Lines of Communication role, covering Military Security in the Fayid area, between Ismailia and Suez and with responsibility for the entire Suez area. In March 1943 the section moved to Tripoli, moving via Alexandria and Mersa Metruh, and was allotted to the 8th Army.
Spence died at 19 General Hospital in Egypt on 13 May 1943 from concussion following an accident.
[Additional information supplied by Mr John Condon and the Intelligence Corps Archives]
Sources
Archival Materials
- R8/5/53/10 Matriculation Slip 1932-1933, Men S
- R8/5/57/10 Matriculation Slip 1936-1937, Men S
- SEN10/76 University Calendar 1936-37
Summary
Alexander Spence
Born 20 June 1913, Glasgow, Scotland.
Died 13 May 1943.
GU Degree: MA, 1937;
University Link: Alumnus
Father's Details: Adam Spence; Miner
War Service: Lance-Corporal, Intelligence Corps
Grave / Memorial: Fayid War Cemetery, Egypt
View Commonwealth War Graves Commission record
Record last updated: 17th May 2013
University Connections
University Roles
- Alumnus