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By the retirement of Colonel GO Spence the Durham Light Infantry Brigade (TA) loses one of its most popular and respected Commandants. Colonel Gilbert Ormerod Spence, CB, DSO, TD, DL, JP, has had a distinguished military career. He took his commission in the old 1st Volunteer Battalion Durham Light Infantry in 1900, and attained his captaincy two years later, while in 1906 he was promoted major and appointed to commanded the 5th (Stockton) Battalion Durham Light Infantry (TA) from August 1910, until September 1921.

Notable War Service
During the war Colonel Spence took part in the Second Battle of Ypres; the Hooge gas attack in May, 1915; the Battle of the Somme, 1916; Arras and Flanders, 1917; and the Allies’ retreat following the great German offensive in 1918, being wounded on the Lys front in April of that year. In addition to being awarded the Distinguished Service Order, he was mentioned three times in dispatches for gallantry and distinguished service in the field. On many occasions he commanded both the York and Durham Brigade and the Durham Light Infantry Brigade, and was promoted to the rank of colonel in 1918. During the industrial dispute of 1921 Colonel Spence commanded the Durham Defence Force Brigade, and in September of the same year was given the command – from which he is now retiring – of the Durham Light Infantry Brigade.

Mayoralty of Thornaby
Apart from his military interests, Colonel Spence is a prominent figure in civic circles on Teesside, having occupied with dignity and general acceptance the office of the Mayor of Thornaby. His selection as Chief Magistrate in 1911 and 1912 was appreciate by the people of the borough because of the honoured position his family had held in the town and district for many years. the duties of Mayoress were discharged by his mother, Mrs HG Spence, of Hartburn. Colonel Spence, who resides at Kirklevington, Yarm-on-Tees, is a son of the late Mr HG Spence, and like his father, has been identified with the management of the Thornaby shipbuilding firm of Messrs Richardson, Duck, and Company. In January 1921, he was appointed to the Most Honourable Order of the Bath.

A Worthy Successor
Colonel GH Stobart, CBE, DSO, who has been appointed to command the Durham Light Infantry Brigade, is a worthy successor to Colonel Spence. For the past six years he has been in command of the 6th (Bishop Auckland) Battalion, which, incidentally, won this year as the representatives of the Northumbrian Division, the Territorial Army Football Championship. Entering the Army in 1894, the new Commandant has thus had a long experience in the Regular Army, as well as six years’ service with the Territorials. He served in the South African War, gaining the Queen’s Medal with clasp, and his gallantry in the Great War was recognized by the award of the DSO in 1915, whilst he was also mentioned in dispatches. Colonel Stobart, who is a Justice of the Peace for County Durham, has rendered valuable public service, and is held in the highest regard.

Reference: D/DLI 11/4/2/28(49)

Where to find this: Durham County Record Office

Contributed by Durham County Record Office