Trooper Spencer Bryen
Service #: 2928
Summary
BACKGROUND
Spencer Lindsay Bryen was born on the 27th June 1886 in Berry, son of James & Anna Mary (Orr) Bryen. According to NSW BDM he was one of 8 children, with 2 sisters and 6 brothers. His parents lived in Blue Knob, Murwillumbah for a number of years.
Spencer travelled to Casula on the 31st January 1916 to complete his application. He answered several questions on the document, and we find out he was a single man and gave his occupation as a butter maker. His next of kin was his father, James, of Tumbulgum
He then signed a declaration confirming he had answered the questions correctly and was willing to voluntarily agree to service in the Military Forces of the Commonwealth of Australia
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CERTIFICATE OF ATTESTING OFFICER
On the second page of the attestation documents the attesting confirms the following; “The foregoing questions were read to the person enlisted in my presence. I have taken care that he understood each question, and his answer to each question has been duly entered as replied to by him”
OATH
He also made the following oath in the presence of the Attesting Officer: “I, Spencer Bryen, swear that I will well and truly serve our Sovereign Lord the King in the Australian Imperial Force until the end of the War, and a further four months thereafter unless sooner lawfully discharged, dismissed or removed therefrom: and that I will resist His Majesty’s enemies and case His Majesty’s peace to be kept and maintained; and I will in all matters appertaining to my services faithfully discharge my duty according to law
He then signed a declaration confirming he had answered the questions correctly and was willing to voluntarily agree to service in the Military Forces of the Commonwealth of Australia
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MEDICAL EXAMINATION
Spencer was 29 years 7 months old when he enlisted. He stood 5 feet 7 ½ inches tall (1.71m) and weighed 144 lbs (65kgs). He had a fair complexion, hazel eyes and brown hair. His eyesight was good and his teeth conditional. Spencer was Church of England
CERTIFICATE OF MEDICAL EXAMINER
The medical examiner certifies I have examined the abovenamed person, and find that he does not present any of the following conditions, viz: - Scrofula; phthisis; syphilis; impaired constitution; defective intelligence; defects of vision, voice, or hearing; hernia’ haemorrhoids; varicose veins, beyond a limited extent; marked varicocele with unusually pendent testicle; inveterate cutaneous disease’ chronic ulcers; traces of corporal punishment or evidence of having been marked with the letters D. or B.C; contracted or deformed chest; abnormal curvature of spine; or any other disease or physical defect calculated to unfit him for the duties of a soldier.
He can see the required distance with either eye; his heart and lungs are healthy; he has the free use of his joints and limbs; and he declares he is not subject to fits of any description. I consider him fit for active service
CERTIFICATE OF COMMANDING OFFICER
This is completed during the recruits training. Robert was in Enoggera training camp when this was completed on 8th March 1916. The commanding officer certifies that this attestation of the abovenamed person is correct, and that the required forms have been complied with. He then states “I accordingly approve, and appoint him as a private with E Coy Dep Btn with service number 2928
In early 1916 Queensland recruits were first posted to one of the companies of the Depot Battalion in Brisbane before being allotted to their reinforcement unit. These depot companies handled the initial military training, medical examinations, inoculations, issue of uniforms and equipment, musketry and basic drill. Once men had demonstrated they were suitable, they were allocated to infantry, artillery or Light Horse reinforcements. Spencer then went on to train as a Light Horseman at Enoggera
TRAINING AT RIFLE RANGE CAMP, ENOGGERA
As was the case with men from the Northern Rivers district in New South Wales, they trained at Rifle Range Camp, Enoggera near Brisbane. The Barracks Block was built as accommodation for men in two dormitories, each 36 feet by 22 feet (10.97 x 6.7 metres). Beds or bunks were not provided, instead each man slept on a palliasse with ground sheet on the floor. For many it was their first time away from home. Men from every walk of life, from clerks and teachers to factory and shop workers, were crammed together
LIGHT HORSE TRAINING
The Light Horse Depot was a lively place — rows of tents and stables stretched across the paddocks, with constant movement as new recruits learned the routines of mounted service. For the Light Horsemen, horsemanship was essential. Many recruits already came from rural backgrounds and were experienced riders, but the army still needed to train them to work together as mounted troops.
They would have spent their first weeks learning the fundamentals of soldiering: drill, physical fitness, and discipline, before moving on to the skills that defined the mounted man. They were taught to ride with a military saddle, to control their horse at all paces, and to manoeuvre in close formation. Daily sessions included mounting and dismounting at speed, guiding the horse with knee and rein, and practising extended trots and canters across open ground.
They practised:
· mounted drill and manoeuvres
· riding in formation
· caring for horses in military conditions
· rapid mounting and dismounting
· scouting and reconnaissance work
· fighting on foot after leaving the horses behind with designated horse-holders
The Australian Light Horse was technically mounted infantry rather than cavalry. The men rode horses for mobility but usually fought dismounted with rifles. The instructors — many veterans of earlier campaigns — were firm but fair, ensuring each man could care for his mount as well as himself.
So, horsemanship was only one part of the training. They learned the use of the Lee-Enfield rifle both on foot and in the saddle, as well as the sword or bayonet for close work. They were trained to move quickly from mounted to dismounted action — the Light Horse fought on foot, using their horses mainly for mobility. Camp life also included route marches, stable duties, grooming and feeding routines, cleaning tack and gear, and long days of drill under the Australian sun.
INNOCULATIONS
All recruits were given a range of inoculations while in camp. The most important jab was to protect against smallpox and typhoid – indeed, having this was an essential precondition of enlisting.
THE UNIFORM
The recruits were issued with their uniform- service dress jacket was made of Australian wool and its loose fit gave the wearer more allowance for movement. The four large pockets were very useful. A unique feature designed for comfort was the pleated back, which provided a double thickness of cloth down the back that the pack rubbed against. Breeches were corduroy worn with wool wrap puttees. The famous khaki felt slouch hat or early service cap is probably the most distinctive part of the uniform. turned up on the left and featuring a plain khaki band, chinstrap and “rising sun” badge.
SOLDIER’S KIT
Australia's World War I soldiers went to war weighed down by almost 30 kilograms of clothes, weapons, tools and kit.
· Breeches: made from khaki woollen cord fabric, with side pockets and button flies. Soldiers were issued with two pairs of breeches, plus a pair of dungarees. The breeches ended above the ankles and the gap was filled with puttees.
· Braces: worn with breeches.
· Puttees: The men wound these strips of woollen cloth, almost three metres long, upwards from the ankle to just below the knee. Soldiers disliked the puttees, probably with good reason: the tight binding restricted circulation and might even have contributed to the high incidence of trench foot. Mounted troops wore leather leggings.
· Shirt: Soldiers were given two grey, collarless, flannel shirt, plus a military shirt.
· Ankle boots: brown and lace-up.
· Socks: Made from wool or cotton. Soldiers were issued with three pairs.
· Greatcoat: the khaki woollen coat (which weighed about 3kg) often doubled as a soldier's bedding and was his chief protection against the cold and wet. The coat came into its own when snow hit Gallipoli in November 1915 and also on the Western Front.
· Jersey
· Singlets: Soldiers were issued with 2 woollen singlets.
· Cotton "drawers" (underpants): Soldiers were issued with two pairs.
· Abdominal belts: a sort of cummerbund that was issued to keep soldiers warm and supposedly ward off disease.
· Backpacks and webbing: The main backpack was a rectangular sack measuring about 15 inches x 13 inches, closed at the top by a folding cover secured by two straps. The webbing included a web belt, cartridge pouches, small haversack, bayonet frog, an entrenching tool holder (plus another holder for its handle), and a water-bottle holder.
· Identity disc: Soldiers were initially issued with one medal "dog tag" on a cord, but later in the war they were given two tags, made of compressed fibre.
· Soldiers were also issued with a "housewife" - a sewing kit containing such items as needles, thimble, thread, wool and button so they could carry out running repairs.
· Also in their kit were a short-magazine Lee-Enfield (SMLE) rifle, a rifle sling, a bayonet and scabbard, and an "entrenching tool" (they were "diggers" after all). This came in two parts, with the helve (handle) separate from the spade part.
· Soldiers were issued with eating equipment (knife, fork, spoon, an enamel mug, water bottle (with two-point capacity), and a mess tin with carrier.
· They also had a clasp knife (with marlin spike, tin-opener and lanyard), razor, shaving kit, soap, comb, two towels, field dressing (carried in the tunic's inside pocket), and a hold-all, in which they could pack their private possessions.
· No item was probably looked after more carefully than their service pay book: privates were paid five shillings a day.
WHY WAS THE TRAINING SO LONG?
This is the really interesting part. Seven months does seem lengthy, but it was not unusual in 1916.
Several factors contributed.
1. Australia had more volunteers than ships- by early 1916 thousands of recruits had completed training but were waiting for available troopships. Shipping shortages meant men often remained in camp for weeks or months after they were ready.
2. The Light Horse needed horses- training depended upon suitable remounts being available. Horses had to be trained almost as carefully as the men, and shortages could delay reinforcement drafts.
3. Reinforcements sailed in complete drafts- the Army preferred to send a full reinforcement draft rather than a handful of men. Spencer became part of the 21st Reinforcements to the 7th Light Horse, which embarked together in September 1916.
4. Training standards increased- by 1916 the AIF had learned many hard lessons from Gallipoli. Training became longer and far more demanding. New reinforcements were expected to arrive in Egypt already proficient with weapons, discipline and fieldcraft rather than learning these skills after arrival
VOYAGE OVERSEAS FROM MELBOURNE TO EGYPT
On the 9TH September 1916 his unit caught the troop train from Brisbane to Melbourne and on the 12th September 1916, he boarded HMAT Hymettus with the 21st Reinforcements for the 7th Light Horse Regiment, bound for Egypt and the next stage of his military service.
Alongside his comrades, Spencer marched aboard, his boots ringing on the gangway. As the ship’s lines were cast off and the quay began to slip away, the reality of war lay ahead, but for now, the sea breeze carried only the sound of voices and the excitement of men bound for adventure, duty, and the unknown.
The epic voyage across the ocean has been described as “the longest journey to war in the history of the world.” They thought it was the start of a new adventure- for many it was their first time so far away from home. However, after some time at sea the biggest problem turned out to be boredom. On the voyage, due to overcrowding, training was limited to mainly to lectures and a little physical training.
SAILING WITH HORSES
When a light horsemen stepped aboard a ship he was not only beginning his own long journey to war but also taking responsibility for a living companion — a horse. Unlike the infantrymen who embarked with little more than their rifles and kit, the Light Horsemen spent much of the voyage tending to the animals that could carry them through future battles.
Below decks, the ship had been fitted with rows of stalls. Each morning at first light, the men made their way down into the cramped, airless hold to feed, water, and clean up after the horses. The heat, smell, and flies could be overpowering, but the routine was strict and unrelenting: feed measured out carefully, water rationed, and the heavy work of mucking out stalls done daily to keep the animals healthy. When weather allowed, the horses were brought on deck to stretch their legs, led slowly around the ship, or lifted in slings to keep their muscles supple.
The rest of the day was divided between horse duty, parades, and training. On deck, the men drilled with their rifles, practised bayonet work, and kept up their physical fitness. The ship was crowded, hammocks and bunks jammed together, and meals were plain—bully beef, hard biscuits, and tea—but the men kept themselves occupied with cards, writing letters, or impromptu concerts. Seasickness was common, especially in the early days, and many struggled with the reek of horseflesh combined with the rolling sea.
There were lighter moments, too. The men organised boxing matches and games, and the bond between soldier and horse grew stronger each day. Many of a light horse regiment, came from country life and was used to handling horses; brushing down mounts or leading them carefully around the deck – it gave them a small sense of normality amid the voyage’s monotony.
The journey was not without loss. Some horses sickened and died despite the best efforts of their handlers and veterinary officers. Their bodies were solemnly hoisted up from the holds and buried at sea, a sight that reminded the men of the fragility of both beast and soldier in the campaign ahead.
CROSSING THE EQUATOR CEREMONY
The crossing the Equator ceremony, ‘Neptune’s Journey,’ was played-out on each troopship.
SIGHTS AT SEA
On the way to Egypt the ship would pass through the Great Australian Bight, cross the Indian Ocean, and stop at Colombo (Ceylon now Sri Lanka) for coal and supplies.
SECURITY
By late 1914, German raiders were active, so lifeboat drills were frequent, and lookouts kept watch for suspicious ships. Troopships generally sailed in convoys or at least took zig-zag courses to make torpedo attacks harder. Ships often travelled under blackout conditions at night, with lookouts specifically watching for periscopes or torpedo wakes.
APPROACHING EGYPT
After several weeks at sea, the men finally saw the dusty shoreline of Port Said or Alexandria. The reality of leaving home truly sank in. The recruits would soon exchange the ship’s cramped decks for the sandy training grounds of Egypt, preparing for what lay ahead.
EGYPTIAN TRAINING CAMP LIGHT HORSEMEN
The troops disembarked on the 17th October 1917 in Suez. After arriving in Egypt, the troops were marched into the training camp. During World War I, this camp provided the final preparation for entrainment to Alexandria and the Western Front. The isolation camps screened soldiers arriving in Egypt as reinforcements for two weeks, checking for any illnesses such as measles which can break out when people are crowded together for long periods. Ismailia is a city in north-eastern Egypt, situated on the west bank of the Suez Canal.
During an interim period, soldiers typically:
· Recovered from the voyage: After long sea travel from Australia, troops needed time to rest and regain strength.
· Underwent medical inspections: To check for illnesses, infections, or conditions like venereal disease that might delay their training.
· Received equipment and uniforms: Egypt's heat made the heavy wool uniforms uncomfortable. As a result, lighter clothing was often issued or obtained locally. Soldiers frequently wore:
ü Khaki cotton shirts without the tunic
ü Lightweight drill uniforms made from cotton
ü Shorts on some occasions, particularly in camp
ü Pith helmets or sun helmets for fatigue duties and work in the sun, although the slouch hat remained the iconic Australian headgear
· Were assigned to training battalions: Administrative processing sorted soldiers into reinforcement drafts for specific front-line battalions.
Then training began. The Egyptian training camps were often one of the most memorable periods of a Light Horseman's service. Imagine a soldier arriving after weeks at sea and stepping into a landscape utterly unlike anywhere in Australia. The air was dry and dusty, the sunlight harsh, and everywhere there was sand. The camps themselves were enormous. Thousands upon thousands of canvas tents spread across the desert, housing Australians, New Zealanders, British troops, and support units. At Mena Camp, many soldiers could look up from their tents and see the great pyramids standing on the horizon, a sight that seemed almost unbelievable to men who had grown up on Australian farms and in country towns.
A typical day began before sunrise. Bugles sounded reveille while the desert air was still cool. Men hurried from their tents to wash, dress, and prepare for morning parade. Breakfast was usually simple but filling, after which the serious work of training began. For Light Horsemen, horses were at the centre of everything. A trooper's first responsibility was often not himself but his horse. Animals had to be watered, fed, groomed and inspected before any military exercises could commence. Saddlery and harness required constant cleaning and repair, and every man was expected to know his mount thoroughly.
Training occupied most daylight hours. Troopers practised riding in formation, learning how to manoeuvre large groups of horses efficiently across open country. They rehearsed scouting and reconnaissance duties, signalling procedures, and the rapid dismounting drills that allowed Light Horsemen to fight as infantry. Contrary to what many people imagine, the Light Horse usually rode to battle but fought on foot. Men therefore spent many hours on rifle ranges perfecting their marksmanship. Bayonet fighting, entrenching, route marching and field exercises were all part of the daily routine.
The desert itself was an instructor. Sand found its way into everything. It settled in blankets, clothing, food, rifles and water bottles. Flies were relentless, gathering around meals and following the men wherever they went. During the day temperatures could become oppressive, yet after sunset the desert could turn surprisingly cold. Many soldiers found themselves wrapped in blankets at night after sweating through the heat of the afternoon.
The camps were also places of constant movement and activity. Reinforcements arrived regularly from Australia, while units departed for Gallipoli, returned from the peninsula, or moved to other parts of Egypt. New arrivals often encountered veterans whose uniforms bore the marks of hard campaigning. These experienced men became valuable teachers, passing on practical advice that no drill manual could provide. Young recruits listened carefully to stories of Gallipoli, learning what combat really meant from men who had already faced it.
When training ended for the day, soldiers often sought entertainment wherever they could find it. Sporting competitions were popular, particularly boxing, cricket and football. Concert parties and impromptu musical performances helped relieve boredom. Letters were written home, journals were kept, and friendships were formed that would endure throughout the war.
Leave in Cairo was an adventure in itself. For many Australians it was the first truly foreign city they had ever seen. The crowded streets, the noise of the markets, the calls to prayer from mosque minarets, and the mixture of languages and cultures made a powerful impression. Soldiers wandered through bazaars packed with merchants selling carpets, brassware, spices and souvenirs. Some visited the pyramids and the Sphinx, marvelling at monuments that were already ancient when the Roman Empire was young. Others enjoyed cafés, theatres and restaurants, while some were drawn into the less respectable districts that military authorities continually warned them to avoid.
Despite these opportunities, camp life was not always pleasant. Illness was common, particularly among men adjusting to unfamiliar food, water and climate. Dysentery and various fevers circulated through the crowded camps. Dust storms could sweep through without warning, filling tents with sand and leaving equipment coated in grit. Water was precious and had to be carefully managed. The routine could become monotonous, and many men grew impatient to join their regiments and see active service.
Yet in hindsight, those months in Egypt were invaluable. The camps transformed civilians into soldiers and horsemen into effective members of a mounted regiment. By the time a soldier left Egypt to join his unit, he would have been fitter, more disciplined and far better prepared for the demands that lay ahead. The long hours of riding, drilling, shooting and caring for horses under the Egyptian sun laid the foundation for the service he would later give with the Light Horse.
TRANSFERRED TO 7TH LIGHT HORSE REGIMENT DECEMBER 1916
On the 24th December 1916 Spencer joined his regiment- the 7th Light Horse. Spencer joined the regiment just as the campaign was shifting from the defence of the Suez Canal to the Allied advance across the Sinai Peninsula into Palestine.
The regiment spent the opening months of 1917 pushing steadily eastwards through the harsh desert. Spencer quickly learned that campaigning in Sinai demanded extraordinary endurance. Mounted patrols covered many kilometres each day across barren country where every gallon of water and every bale of horse fodder had to be transported over long distances. His daily routine revolved around caring for his horse, maintaining weapons and equipment, conducting reconnaissance patrols and standing to arms before dawn and again at dusk.
During this period the regiment supported the advance towards Gaza, taking part in the operations that culminated in the First Battle of Gaza (26 March 1917).
THE FIRST BATTLE OF GAZA MARCH 1917
The coastal city of Gaza
was the heart of the main Turkish defensive position in southern Palestine.
Three major battles were launched in 1917 by British and dominion forces to
capture Gaza - only the third succeeded in this object.
The first battle of Gaza took place on 26 March 1917. Two British infantry
divisions were to attack it from the south while the mounted troops of the
Desert Column would attack from the flanks and north. When the attack was
launched the infantry made slow progress but the mounted troops succeeded in
capturing high ground to the north of the city and advancing into it. Concerned
by the lack of progress made by the infantry, and fearing the water supplies
vital for the mounted troops would not be captured that night, Lieutenant
General Dobell, the British officer commanding the operation, ordered a
withdrawal at dusk. The next morning, after realising his mistake, Dobell
attempted to resume the battle with the infantry, but with the troops exhausted
and the Turks having received reinforcements, the attack floundered.
Although the battle ended in disappointment after the Allied force withdrew despite gaining much of the town, valuable lessons were learned that shaped future operations. The regiment then remained near the front, patrolling Turkish positions, escorting supply columns and preparing for another attempt against Gaza.
14 APRIL 1917 – 14TH AUSTRALIAN GENERAL HOSPITAL, ABBASSIA – PYREXIA
Before the Second Battle of Gaza could begin, Spencer became ill with pyrexia, a medical term simply meaning fever rather than a specific disease.
Army doctors used the diagnosis when a soldier presented with a high temperature but the underlying cause had not yet been identified. In Egypt, pyrexia commonly resulted from influenza, malaria, sandfly fever, respiratory infections, intestinal infections or the early stages of diseases such as enteric fever.
At the 14th Australian General Hospital in Abbassia doctors would have carefully monitored his temperature while attempting to determine the cause. Treatment usually consisted of complete bed rest, plentiful fluids, nourishing food and medicines to reduce fever. Blood tests or microscopic examination might be undertaken if malaria was suspected, while quinine would be administered where appropriate. Nurses closely observed patients for several days to ensure the fever subsided before they were considered fit for discharge.
10 MAY 1917 – DISCHARGED TO MOASCAR CAMP
Following his recovery, Spencer was sent to Moascar Camp rather than immediately returning to the front.
Moascar served as one of the principal reinforcement and staging camps for the Australian mounted divisions. Here recovering soldiers gradually rebuilt their strength through light duties, physical exercise and riding before being certified fit for active service. He may have attended refresher training, assisted with stable duties, cared for horses, maintained equipment or helped train newly arrived reinforcements while awaiting orders to rejoin his regiment.
15 SEPTEMBER 1917 – EVACUATED TO PORT SAID REST CAMP
By September Spencer had again been removed from the front, this time to the Rest Camp at Port Said.
Unlike a hospital, the rest camp catered for men who were exhausted, run down or recovering from minor illness without requiring major medical treatment. Life at the camp was considerably more comfortable than the front. Soldiers enjoyed regular meals, proper bathing facilities, clean clothing and comfortable accommodation while doctors assessed their fitness.
The period also provided valuable mental respite after months of campaigning in the Sinai desert. Once sufficiently recovered, Spencer underwent a medical examination before being cleared to return to duty.
25 SEPTEMBER 1917 – REJOINED UNIT
Spencer returned to the regiment as General Allenby completed preparations for his great autumn offensive.
The weeks leading up to the assault on Beersheba were marked by relentless training, reconnaissance and deception operations. Patrols constantly observed Turkish positions while engineers improved tracks and established water supplies across the desert. Every movement was carefully concealed in an effort to convince the enemy that another direct attack on Gaza was imminent.
On 31 October 1917, the campaign erupted with the famous Battle of Beersheba.
BATTLE OF BEERSHEBA OCTOBER 1917
BRITISH ATTACK ON BEERSHEBA
The British 20 Corps launched an attack on Beersheba at dawn on 31 October 1917.By late afternoon the corps had made little headway toward the town and its vital wells. Lieutenant General Sir Harry Chauvel, commanding the Desert Mounted Corps, ordered the 4th Light Horse Brigade forward to attempt to secure the position.
AUSTRALIAN LIGHT HORSE CHARGE
Brigadier General William Grant responded by ordering light horsemen of the 4th and 12th Regiments to charge at the unwired Turkish trenches. The light horsemen did not carry swords or lances, so they held their bayonets in their hands and used them as "swords".
The momentum of the surprise attack carried them through the Turkish defences.
FALL OF BEERSHEBA
The light horsemen took less than an hour to overrun the Turkish trenches and enter Beersheba.
Thirty-eight Turkish and German officers and about 700 other ranks were taken prisoner, and a supply of water was secured.
The Australians suffered 67 casualties. Two officers and 29 other ranks were killed, and 8 officers and 28 other ranks wounded.
The fall of Beersheba opened the way to outflank the Gaza—Beersheba Line. On 6 November, after severe fighting, Turkish forces began to withdraw from Gaza further into Palestine.
While the celebrated charge of the 4th Light Horse Brigade captured history's imagination, the 7th Light Horse Regiment played its own important role in the wider operation, helping secure the surrounding country and participating in the rapid advance that followed. After Beersheba the regiment pressed northwards as the Turkish defensive line began to collapse.
3 NOVEMBER 1917 – 2ND LIGHT HORSE FIELD AMBULANCE – SEPTIC HANDS
Only days after the opening of the offensive, Spencer developed septic hands, a painful bacterial infection affecting the skin and underlying tissues.
In the harsh desert environment even small cuts, blisters or cracked skin could quickly become infected. Constant handling of reins, rifles, saddlery and horse equipment often caused abrasions that allowed bacteria to enter the skin. Dust, sweat and limited opportunities for washing increased the risk of infection.
At the 2nd Light Horse Field Ambulance, medical staff would first clean the infected wounds thoroughly using antiseptic solutions such as iodine or carbolic preparations. Any pockets of pus were opened and drained to prevent the infection spreading further. Sterile dressings were applied and changed regularly, while the hands were often soaked in antiseptic baths. Because antibiotics did not yet exist, careful wound care and cleanliness were the principal treatments.
As doctors considered the infection serious enough to require closer observation, Spencer was transferred the same day to the 35th Casualty Clearing Station, where surgeons could intervene if the infection worsened.
4 NOVEMBER 1917 – 45TH STATIONARY HOSPITAL, EL ARISH
The following day Spencer was evacuated to the 45th Stationary Hospital at El Arish. Stationary Hospitals occupied an intermediate position within the medical evacuation system. They provided significantly more beds, surgical facilities and nursing care than Casualty Clearing Stations while remaining close enough to the front to receive patients quickly. Here doctors continued treating his infected hands, carefully monitoring whether the infection responded to cleansing and dressing or whether surgical drainage became necessary.
5 NOVEMBER 1917 – 44TH STATIONARY HOSPITAL, KANTARA
As Spencer's condition stabilised, he was transferred to the larger 44th Stationary Hospital at Kantara near the Suez Canal.
Kantara served as the principal medical and logistical hub for the Sinai campaign. The hospital possessed improved facilities for prolonged treatment, specialist nursing and recovery. Here the inflammation gradually subsided as his wounds healed under regular dressing changes, rest and good nutrition.
7 NOVEMBER 1917 – 14TH AUSTRALIAN GENERAL HOSPITAL, ABBASSIA
Spencer's evacuation continued to the 14th Australian General Hospital at Abbassia, one of the largest Australian hospitals in Egypt.
The hospital functioned much like a modern general hospital, with specialist surgeons, physicians, operating theatres, X-ray facilities and extensive nursing staff. Patients requiring several weeks of treatment were frequently transferred here once they were stable enough for the journey. Spencer remained under observation until doctors were satisfied that the infection had fully resolved and normal use of his hands had returned.
14 NOVEMBER 1917 – ABBASSIA CONVALESCENT DEPOT
Following discharge from hospital, Spencer entered the Convalescent Depot. The depot bridged the gap between hospital and active service. Recovering soldiers gradually regained strength through light exercise, improved diet, route marches and carefully supervised duties. Medical officers assessed each man's progress before certifying him fit to resume military duties.
25 NOVEMBER 1917 – MOASCAR HOSPITAL
After leaving Abbassia, Spencer was transferred to the hospital at Moascar for continued observation while awaiting final medical clearance. He likely undertook only light duties as doctors ensured his recovery remained complete before returning him to his regiment.
7 DECEMBER 1917 – NO. 2 STATIONARY HOSPITAL, MOASCAR – PHIMOSIS
Before Spencer could return to active service another medical problem arose. Phimosis is a condition in which the foreskin cannot be fully retracted over the head of the penis. In adults it may cause discomfort, difficulty maintaining hygiene, painful urination and recurrent infections. Long periods in the field with limited washing facilities often aggravated the condition.
Treatment depended upon its severity. Mild cases were managed through improved hygiene, warm bathing and careful stretching. More severe cases, such as those requiring hospital admission, were usually treated surgically by circumcision or by a procedure to relieve the tight foreskin. Although considered a relatively minor operation, it required several weeks of healing before a soldier could comfortably ride long distances or resume full military duties.
23 DECEMBER 1917 – REJOINED UNIT
By the time Spencer finally returned, the campaign had changed dramatically.
Following the victories at Beersheba and Gaza, the Allied advance had swept through southern Palestine. During Spencer's absence the regiment had taken part in the pursuit of the retreating Turkish forces and the operations that culminated in the capture of Jerusalem on 9 December 1917. When he rejoined, the regiment was occupied consolidating newly won positions, conducting mounted patrols, protecting lines of communication and preparing for the next phase of operations in the Jordan Valley.
Although illness had prevented Spencer from participating in some of the campaign's most celebrated battles, he returned to an experienced regiment that had helped transform the strategic situation in Palestine.
23 DECEMBER 1917 – REJOINED REGIMENT
Having recovered from both septic hands and surgery for phimosis, Spencer finally rejoined the 7th Light Horse Regiment just before Christmas.
The regiment had recently completed one of the most successful phases of the Palestine campaign. Following the capture of Beersheba, Gaza and Jerusalem, the Turkish Army had withdrawn into the rugged Judean Hills while the Australian Mounted Division settled into winter operations.
The immediate task was no longer rapid advance but consolidation. Spencer and his comrades spent their days patrolling the surrounding countryside, guarding roads and water supplies, escorting transport columns and maintaining contact with neighbouring units. Horses required constant attention after months of hard campaigning, while saddlery, harness and weapons were cleaned and repaired. The winter rains transformed dusty tracks into deep mud, making movement difficult and adding to the daily challenges of caring for both men and horses.
31 DECEMBER 1917 – PORT SAID REST CAMP
Only eight days after returning, Spencer was sent once again to the Rest Camp at Port Said.
This was probably not because he had become seriously ill again. Following several hospital admissions over the previous months, his commanding officers or medical officers may have considered him physically run down after prolonged illness and surgery. Rest camps were frequently used to restore men who were suffering from exhaustion, loss of weight or general debility before returning them to full active service.
At Port Said he enjoyed far better accommodation than was available at the front. Nutritious meals, proper bathing facilities, clean clothing and organised recreation allowed soldiers to regain strength and morale. Medical officers monitored his progress before declaring him fit for active duty once more.
16 FEBRUARY 1918 – REJOINED UNIT
After nearly seven weeks of recuperation Spencer rejoined the regiment during a comparatively quiet but demanding period of the campaign.
General Allenby was preparing for renewed operations east of the Jordan River, but before these offensives could begin the mounted troops were heavily engaged in patrol work throughout the Jordan Valley and the approaches to Jerusalem.
Spencer's days consisted of long reconnaissance patrols, guarding strategic crossings, escorting supply convoys and observing Turkish positions. Horses remained the regiment's greatest responsibility, requiring daily grooming, feeding and watering despite the difficult conditions. The men also undertook route marches, weapons training and field exercises whenever operational commitments allowed.
Although large-scale battles were temporarily absent, patrols frequently exchanged rifle and machine-gun fire with Turkish outposts, reminding everyone that the enemy remained alert and dangerous.
6 MAY 1918 – REPORTED TO REGIMENT, MOASCAR
Rather than immediately returning to Palestine, Spencer reported to the regiment at Moascar.
Moascar remained the principal reinforcement and training camp for the mounted divisions in Egypt. Here he likely underwent medical inspection, completed administrative formalities and resumed military routine while awaiting transport to rejoin the fighting units.
His days were occupied with riding exercises, musketry practice, horse management, physical training and caring for remounts. Refresher instruction ensured that men returning from lengthy periods in hospital regained both fitness and confidence before being sent back to the front.
12 MAY 1918 – TONSILLITIS – 2ND FIELD AMBULANCE AND 65TH CASUALTY CLEARING STATION
Unfortunately, Spencer's return to duty was once again interrupted, this time by acute tonsillitis.
Tonsillitis is an infection causing inflammation of the tonsils, usually accompanied by severe sore throat, fever, swollen glands, painful swallowing and general weakness. In the crowded camps of Egypt respiratory infections spread easily, particularly among soldiers whose resistance had been lowered by previous illness.
Medical staff at the 2nd Field Ambulance examined Spencer and recognised that his condition required more extensive treatment. He was therefore evacuated the same day to the 65th Casualty Clearing Station, where doctors could provide closer observation.
Treatment consisted primarily of complete bed rest, warm antiseptic gargles, pain relief, soft nourishing foods and plenty of fluids. Without antibiotics, careful nursing and supportive treatment were the only effective measures while the body's immune system overcame the infection. If abscesses developed around the tonsils, surgeons occasionally performed minor operations to drain them.
14 MAY 1918 – 75TH CASUALTY CLEARING STATION AND 35TH STATIONARY HOSPITAL, GAZA
As Spencer's illness continued, he was transferred through the 75th Casualty Clearing Station before admission to the 35th Stationary Hospital at Gaza. The Casualty Clearing Station acted as an advanced hospital where doctors reassessed his condition and determined whether evacuation was necessary. At the Stationary Hospital he received more comprehensive nursing care. Such hospitals were designed to hold patients expected to recover within several weeks, providing comfortable wards, proper kitchens, pharmacy services and experienced nursing staff. Doctors carefully monitored his temperature, ensured he remained well hydrated and watched for complications before allowing further evacuation.
18 MAY 1918 – HOSPITAL TRAIN TO 44TH STATIONARY HOSPITAL, KANTARA
Once Spencer was well enough to travel, he boarded a specially equipped hospital train for Kantara. Hospital trains represented one of the great medical achievements of the campaign. Fitted with hospital beds, kitchens, pharmacies and nursing staff, they allowed sick and wounded soldiers to travel considerable distances in comparative comfort while continuing to receive treatment.
At the 44th Stationary Hospital, doctors confirmed that Spencer was steadily recovering and no longer required treatment close to the front.
MILITARY INFECTIOUS HOSPITAL, CAIRO
Spencer was then admitted to the Military Infectious Hospital in Cairo.
Although tonsillitis itself is common, severe throat infections were treated cautiously because diseases such as diphtheria and scarlet fever could initially resemble ordinary tonsillitis. Isolation hospitals protected the wider army while specialist physicians confirmed the diagnosis and ensured patients were no longer infectious before discharge.
ABBASSIA CONVALESCENT DEPOT
Following his discharge from hospital, Spencer entered the Convalescent Depot at Abbassia. Here he gradually rebuilt his strength through light exercise, improved diet and carefully supervised duties. Medical officers assessed his recovery daily before certifying him fit for military service.
10 JUNE 1918 – DISCHARGED TO MOASCAR
Returning once more to Moascar, Spencer completed the final administrative steps before rejoining the regiment.
He resumed light military duties, cared for horses, attended refresher training and underwent medical inspection to ensure the throat infection had fully resolved. Once declared fit, arrangements were made for him to return to active service.
12 JUNE – 18 JUNE 1918 – RETURNED TO THE 7TH LIGHT HORSE REGIMENT
The final transfer entry appears simply to confirm Spencer's restoration to the 7th Light Horse after his lengthy medical absence.
By the time he reported back to his regiment on 18 June 1918, the Australian Mounted Division was preparing for the decisive offensive that General Allenby hoped would finally destroy the Ottoman Army.
The weeks ahead were devoted to intensive training, reconnaissance, improving horse fitness and rehearsing large-scale mounted manoeuvres. Spencer resumed the familiar routine of mounted patrols, horse care, weapons training and field exercises, unaware that within only a few months he would take part in the great offensive at Megiddo, one of the most decisive victories achieved by Australian Light Horsemen during the entire war.
18 JUNE – 11 OCTOBER 1918
After months of illness and repeated hospital admissions, Spencer finally rejoined the 7th Light Horse Regiment as General Allenby prepared the decisive offensive that would bring the Sinai and Palestine campaign to a successful conclusion.
Throughout the northern summer the regiment trained intensively while maintaining pressure on the Turkish front. Days were occupied with mounted patrols, reconnaissance, map reading, musketry practice and endless care of the horses. The men also improved defensive positions, repaired tracks and maintained the lines of communication stretching back across Palestine. Although major attacks were postponed until September, patrols frequently encountered Turkish outposts, and occasional artillery fire and sniping reminded everyone that the front remained active.
The great offensive began on 19 September 1918 with the Battle of Megiddo, one of the most decisive victories of the First World War. While infantry broke through the Turkish front, the Australian Mounted Division surged through the gap, exploiting the breakthrough with remarkable speed.
THE BATTLE OF MEGIDDO 19TH TO 25TH SEPTEMBER 1918
The Battle of Megiddo was fought between 19 and 25 September 1918, on the Plain of Sharon, in front of Tulkarm, Tabsor and Arara in the Judean Hills as well as on the Esdralon Plain at Nazareth, Afulah, Beisan, Jenin and Samakh. Its name, which has been described as "perhaps misleading" since very limited fighting took place near Tel Megiddo, was chosen by British commander Edmund Allenby for its biblical and symbolic resonance.
The battle was the final Allied offensive of the Sinai and Palestine Campaign of World War I. The contending forces were the Allied Egyptian Expeditionary Force, of three corps including one of mounted troops, and the Ottoman Yildirim Army Group which numbered three armies, each the strength of barely an Allied corps. The series of battles took place in what was then the central and northern parts of Ottoman Palestine and parts of present-day Israel, Syria and Jordan. After forces of the Arab Revolt attacked the Ottoman lines of communication, distracting the Ottomans, British and Indian infantry divisions attacked and broke through the Ottoman defensive lines in the sector adjacent to the coast in the set-piece Battle of Sharon. The Desert Mounted Corps rode through the breach and almost encircled the Ottoman Seventh and Eighth armies still fighting in the Judean Hills. The subsidiary Battle of Nablus was fought virtually simultaneously in the Judean Hills in front of Nablus and at crossings of the Jordan River. The Ottoman Fourth Army was subsequently attacked in the Hills of Moab at Es Salt and Amman.
These battles resulted in many tens of thousands of prisoners and many miles of territory being captured by the Allies. Following the battles, Daraa was captured on 27 September, Damascus on 1 October and operations at Haritan, north of Aleppo, were still in progress when the Armistice of Mudros was signed ending hostilities between the Allies and Ottomans.
The 7th Light Horse Regiment rode almost continuously, cutting off retreating enemy forces, capturing prisoners, occupying strategic positions and pursuing the disorganised Ottoman armies northwards.
The advance covered extraordinary distances. Spencer and his comrades often spent long hours in the saddle, sleeping wherever they halted and relying upon captured supplies whenever possible. Thousands of Turkish soldiers surrendered as the Allied advance swept through Palestine into Syria. The campaign culminated in the capture of Damascus on 1 October and the continued pursuit towards Aleppo before the Ottoman Empire sought an armistice at the end of October.
It had been one of the most spectacular mounted campaigns in modern military history, and after so many interruptions through illness, Spencer was finally able to play his part in the regiment's greatest victory.
11 OCTOBER 1918 – 31ST GENERAL HOSPITAL, ABBASSIA – "MAL. MT."
The abbreviation "Mal. MT." almost certainly refers to Malaria, Mild Tertian. This was the common form of malaria caused by Plasmodium vivax, widespread in the Jordan Valley and parts of Palestine during 1918. The mosquito-infested valley became notorious among Australian troops, and thousands contracted the disease during or immediately after the advance. Soldiers often continued fighting while carrying the infection before suddenly developing symptoms.
Malaria typically began with severe chills followed by a rapidly rising fever, intense sweating, headache, muscle pains and profound exhaustion. Attacks often recurred every second day, giving rise to the term "tertian malaria."
At the 31st Australian General Hospital at Abbassia, Spencer would have been placed on bed rest and treated primarily with quinine, the standard anti-malarial drug of the day. Doctors carefully monitored his temperature while ensuring he remained well hydrated and received nourishing food. Recovery could take several weeks, and many soldiers experienced recurring attacks long after leaving hospital.
6 NOVEMBER 1918 – CONVALESCENT DEPOT, BOULAC
As his strength returned, Spencer was transferred to the Convalescent Depot at Boulac. Here recovering soldiers gradually resumed physical activity through supervised exercise, light military duties and good nutrition. Medical officers closely observed former malaria patients because relapses were common. Only when Spencer was considered sufficiently recovered was he released for further duty.
15 NOVEMBER 1918 – DISCHARGED TO AIF HEADQUARTERS- WAR ENDED
The war had effectively ended by the time Spencer left the Convalescent Depot. The Ottoman Empire had signed the Armistice of Mudros on 30 October 1918, ending hostilities in the Middle East. Instead of returning immediately to combat duties, Spencer was posted to AIF Headquarters for administrative processing.
At Headquarters he underwent medical examinations, completed service documentation and awaited instructions regarding either return to his regiment or eventual repatriation. Thousands of soldiers were now entering the complex system that would gradually return the Australian Imperial Force home
30 NOVEMBER 1918 – PORT SAID REST CAMP (LEAVE)
After nearly three years overseas and following another lengthy illness, Spencer was granted leave at the Rest Camp at Port Said. This period was intended as both recreation and reward before returning to duty. Compared with the hardships of active campaigning, life at Port Said seemed luxurious. Soldiers enjoyed proper beds, plentiful meals, hot baths, organised sporting competitions and entertainment.
Many men visited the bustling streets of Port Said itself, where cafés, theatres, shops and markets offered a welcome change from military routine. They wrote letters home, purchased souvenirs, attended concerts or simply enjoyed the freedom of walking through a thriving civilian town after months in the desert.
For Spencer, whose service had been punctuated by repeated illness, the leave also provided an opportunity to recover physically and mentally before returning to his regiment.
12 DECEMBER 1918 – RETURNED TO THE 7TH LIGHT HORSE REGIMENT
Following leave, Spencer rejoined the regiment during the occupation of Palestine. Although the fighting had ceased, military duties continued. The 7th Light Horse Regiment now assisted in maintaining order throughout the occupied territories. Patrols supervised former Turkish positions, guarded supply depots and transport routes, escorted prisoners and maintained security while Allied military authorities established control.
The daily routine also involved caring for horses that had carried the regiment across Sinai and Palestine, maintaining equipment, attending inspections and assisting with the extensive administrative work associated with demobilisation. Soldiers eagerly followed news of troopship allocations, wondering when their own turn to return home would come.
27 JUNE 1919 – RETURNED TO AUSTRALIA ABOARD MADRAS
After many months of occupation duty, Spencer finally embarked aboard the transport HMAT Madras for Australia.
The voyage home was very different from the crowded troopship journey that had carried him overseas in 1916. With the war over, the atmosphere was generally relaxed. Organised sports, concerts, lectures and deck games filled the long weeks at sea as the ship crossed the Indian Ocean.
When Spencer disembarked in Australia on 3 August 1919, he left behind more than three years of service in Egypt, Sinai and Palestine. Despite repeated illnesses and lengthy periods in hospital, he had returned time and again to his regiment and ultimately shared in the final victorious campaign that brought the war in the Middle East to an end.
CLOTHING AND NECESSITIES GIVEN TO SOLDIERS FOR SOLDIERS PROCEEDING TO AUSTRALIA FOR DEMOBILISATION
Badges Hat Badges Collar (2) Bags kit universal
Bags kit sea Braces (pair) Brush, shaving
Brush, tooth Breeches M.S (Military service)
Cap comforter (warm cap) Comb, hair
Disc identity with cord Drawers (2 pairs)
Great Coat Hat, Khaki fur Hat, white
Holdall Housewife (compact sewing kit)
Jackets Cardigan Jackets S.D (service dress)
Leggings 1 pair Laces, leather 1 pair
Puggarees, small (a traditional Indian head wrap, worn in warm conditions
Puttees, 1 pair (cloth bandages worn by soldiers, to provide support and protection
for the lower leg)
Razor Shirts, flannel (2) Socks, 3 pairs
Singlets (2)
Strap chin Soap piece Suit, working
Towels, hand (2)
Titles “Australia” (4)- Australian soldiers and non-commissioned officers wore an “Australia” title at the base of their shoulder straps. Each serving soldier also wore unit titles above this which indicated the units to which they belonged
27 NOVEMBER 1920 – DISCHARGED
Although Spencer returned to Australia in August 1919, members of the Australian Imperial Force were frequently placed on extended leave pending discharge. During this period, they were technically still soldiers, remained on Army strength and continued to receive military pay and allowances while they used accumulated leave earned during years of overseas service.
The Army also needed time to complete:
· final medical examinations;
· assessment of any ongoing disability or eligibility for a pension;
· settlement of pay, deferred pay and gratuities;
· return of government equipment;
· verification of service records;
· processing through the Repatriation Department if required.
Many men resumed civilian employment while still technically members of the AIF. Only when all administrative matters had been completed was a formal discharge issued. Spencer's discharge on 27 November 1920 does not mean he remained in uniform until then. Rather, it marked the official conclusion of his military service after all leave, financial entitlements and administrative formalities had been finalised.
For his service Spencer was awarded the 1914-15 Star, British War Medal, and the Victory Medal
AFTER THE WAR
Spencer married Elizabeth Emily Jane Foulks in 1932 in Lismore.
DEATH AND BURIAL
Spencer died on the 12th February, 1966 (aged 80) in Lismore, and is buried in East Lismore General Cemetery, East Lismore, Plot Methodist; Row: 26A Plot: 33
If you have any additional information about this individual, we invite you to email us at rsl@msmc.org.au.
Memorial Location
We do not know the memorial location of this individual
Buried Location
East Lismore General Cemetery, East Lismore, Plot Methodist; Row: 26A Plot: 33
