Spencer Arthur Linington

Rank:

Private

Regimental number:

773034

Unit at enlistment:

125th Battalion

Force:

C.E.F.

Volunteered or conscripted:

Volunteered

Survived the war:

Date of death:

August 28th, 1918

Cemetery:

Vis-En-Artois British Cemetery - Pas de Calais, France

Commemorated at:

Marlborough Street United Church, Independent Order of Foresters

Birth country:

Canada

Birth county:

Middlesex

Birth city:

London, Ontario

Address at enlistment:

120 Elgin Street, Brantford, Ontario

Next of kin address:

120 Elgin Street, Brantford, Ontario

Trade or calling:

Wireworker

Religious denominations:

Methodist

Marital status:

Single

Age at enlistment:

Letters and documents

Circumstances of service: Killed

Circumstances of Casualty: Killed in Action. Killed by machine gun fire during an attack.
Location of Unit at Time of Casualty: North West of Monchy-le-Preux.

BX September 9, 1918

Another Brantford lad gave his life in the cause of liberty in the last great push. Mr. Heron J. Linington, 120 Elgin Street, has been informed that his son, Pte. Spencer Arthur Linington was killed in action, August 25. Another son went overseas, but several months ago he returned wounded and gassed. A third son died at his home a year and a half ago. The mother and father of the fallen soldier will receive the sympathy of many in their third severe trial.

BX September 25, 1918

Private S. Linington’s Death in Action – Details Received of Manner of Sacrifice of Local Boy

Mrs. Linington 120 Elgin Street has been advised of the details of the death of her son, Private Spencer Linington in action on August 28 with the Princess Pats near Monchy. The letter from Private Linington’s platoon commander is as follows:

Dear Mrs. Linington,

It is very hard for me to have to write to you under such grievous circumstances, but I know that you would like to hear that everything possible was done for your son.

He died instantly from the affects of a bullet wound when the battalion was advancing to the attack over a very exposed piece of ground. The battalion attacked on August 28, near Monchy, a village in front of Arras and near the Scarpe River. A stiffening resistance was met with and we suffered a number of casualties, among them your son. As he was in my platoon for several months I saw a great deal of him, and found him a very splendid chap indeed. He was exceedingly popular throughout the battalion owning to his sporting proclivities. In many a hard fought game behind the lines his excellent playing won the game for us. His loss will leave a big hole in our midst and we will all miss him greatly. He was a good soldier and a good lad, and the whole company extends to you their sincere sympathy in your bereavement.

Yours very sincerely,

Ralph McPherson
C.O. No. 1 Platoon, P.P.C.L.I.

BX September 30, 1918

Memorial Service

At Marlboro Street Methodist Church on Sunday the evening service was a special memorial service for the late Private John McHutchion Whyte and Private Spencer Arthur Linington, both of whom had recently fallen in France. Letters were read from a Chaplain and two lieutenants regarding the death of these two brave lads. The superintendent of the Sunday school, Mr. A. Lamb and the teacher of the young men’s Bible class spoke briefly and the pastor, Rev. J.E. Peters spoke briefly from “Fear not, I am He that liveth and was dead and behold I am alive forever.” Mrs. Swayze and Mr. Telford sang special solos. The shield containing the honor roll of the nostrum and across it was placed two purple ribbons with the fallen heroes’ official numbers inscribed on them in gold. The ribbons were afterwards presented to the families.