Squadron Leader Arthur Leonard Spence DFC (known as Artie)
was born in Donegal at 19:05 hrs on 25th February 1908, a twin to his elder brother by 6 minutes, Herbert Campbell Spence. Arthur was the son of Andrew Spence, Secretary of a Railway Company [Londonderry & Lough Swilly Railway] and Lily Spence nee Wheeler.
A wider family member has advised that he was known as Artie.
In 1911 Artie (3) was living in house 7, Figary, Fahan, Co. Donegal with his parents and 7 siblings; Dorothy Gertrude (11), Stuart Andrew (10), Kathleen Lilian (8), Muriel Constance (6), Edith Helena (4), Herbert Campbell (3) and John Walter (1). A governess, Marguerite Bumesnil (or servant aged 14) and a servant Mary Rodden were also staying in the house.
On 1st September 1925 Artie joined Northern Bank at Head Office. His address at that time was recorded by the bank as 4 Queen Street, Londonderry.
Northern Bank, Head Office, Victoria Street, Belfast
Transfers followed to Londonderry (1925 - Junior), Head Office (1931 - Exchange), Carrickfergus (1933 - Junior) and Head Office (1937 - Relief Staff).
Northern Bank, Londonderry branch
On 2nd May 1939 Artie volunteered and enlisted into the RAF Volunteer Reserve. He was ‘Called up on Active Service’ on 2nd September 1939 with Service Number 81694.
He returned to work from 5th October 1939 to 26th October 1939, reason unknown.
His rank and promotions were Leading Aircraftman, Pilot Officer, Flying Officer, Flight Lieutenant (1941) and Squadron Leader followed in 1943.
Artie was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC) in 1941 gazetted on 23rd September 1941.
London Gazette, 23rd September 1941 - Acting F/L A L Spence
The news of his award was syndicated amongst local newspapers:
Belfast Telegraph, 20th September 1940
Belfast News Letter, 20th September 1940
Londonderry Sentinel, 23rd September 1940
Ballymena Weekly Telegraph, 27th September 1940
On 14th March 1942 the Belfast Newsletter reported that the marriage of A L Spence to Alice Madeleine Irwin will take place in April at St Peters Church, Belfast. The wedding took place on 29th April 1942 and was reported in the Belfast Telegraph of the same date.
Belfast Telegraph 29th April 1942
Val Kerr, a family member posted this cartoon on the Facebook page:
On 19th November 1945 Artie resumed duty with the Northern Bank at Head Office. Transfers followed to Royal Avenue (1948 - Teller), Knock (1951 - Cashier), Head Office (1951 - Interim Manager), Lurgan (1958 - Manager), Head Office (1954 - Manager), Queen’s Square (1967 - Manager) and Dublin Regional Director (1971).
Northern Bank, Royal Avenue branch
Northern Bank, Lurgan branch
A 'Welcome Home' dinner was held on 29th April 1947 by members of the CIYMS at Clarence Place Hall, Belfast.
Belfast Telegraph - 29th April 1947
The Staff Magazine ‘The Link (Spring 1971)’ contains a Profile and photograph (above) of Artie Spence.
The Staff Magazine ‘The Link’ (Spring 1973) records Artie Spence as retiring as Dublin Regional Director on 28th February 1973.
Squadron Leader Arthur Spence DFC RAF(VR) died on 18th January 1981.
