The son of Stewart Spence the Indian agent in Highgate, Orford Twsp., Kent Co., ON.Robert attended Ridgetown High School from 1932 to 1937.P/Sgt. Robert went overseas in 1940 arriving in Egypt in February of 1942 where he was flying a Wellington bomber.

Pte. Robert Spence was reported returning to the Army at Camp Borden in March of 1942 after spending a few days leave at the family home. His sister Dorothy was also at her parents home to see Bob, she returned to Chatham McKay Corner News – CDN 18/03/42.

He was flying this aircraft with a crew of five (none of the crew were Canadian) when the plane was shot down in Libya in October of 1942.

Order of the Flying Boot  – Robert Spence was one of two men his companion an Australian, Sgt. John M. Wood  who made a twenty-eight day trek across the burning Egyptian Desert to rejoin their squadron after being shot down over Tobruk, Libya.  Forced to parachute from their twin engine Wellington, one other member of the crew who was injured was  Sgt. Butteriss had to be left behind, he was later captured and was a prisoner of war. Robert and Sergt. Wood walked 500 miles existing on water salvaged from abandoned trucks and carried in gas cans.  Avoiding enemy patrols and mine fields he arrived in Egypt with his shoes tied on with bits of string.  Robert was awarded the Distinguished Flying Medal and his rank moved to Pilot Officer.  

Found at: http://rdhs.lkdsb.net/test/info/hallofexcellence.as 

Following a ceremony at Buckingham Palace “The C.P.R. station in Thamesville was the scene of bustling activity when the train stopped and discharged “Bobby” Spence returning to Ridgetown, the first of the “local district heroes returning home” where he was heroically greeted on May 27, 1943. Robert was accompanied by his Australian ‘pal’ Flt. Sgt. John H. Wood, who was his companion on the 500 mile trek. People from Thamesville, Highgate and Ridgetown joined in the welcome. RI 25/03/11. After being promoted to Flying Officer Robert was posted to Dunnville in 1943 where he acted as an instructor. RI 16/11/11.

There were many events scheduled beginning with a embrace of his mother and hand shakes of his very proud father and cheers of the many friends and relatives at their arrival. They made to rounds of many of the towns and villages including Ridgetown, Highgate and Thamesville.   

 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Awards

Distinguished Flying Medal

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