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William Robert Spence

1875 – 1954

Scottish trade union leader

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About William Robert Spence

Lived 1875 – 1954 (aged 78). William Robert Spence was a trade unionist.

William Robert Locke Spence, CBE, (9 October 1875 – 3 March 1954) was a British politician.

Born in Cockpen in Midlothian, He served in the Merchant Navy for many years, becoming an officer. However, in 1911, he became a strong supporter of the sailors' case in the strike. He resigned his commission, and devoted all his time to trade unionism.

In 1911, Spence began working full-time as an official of the NSFU, based on shore, initially in South Shields, and later in various ports in the south of England. In 1928, he was elected as the union's general secretary, and from 1931 to 1941, he additionally served on the General Council of the Trades Union Congress.

Spence was made a Commander of the Order of the British Empire in 1937. During World War II, he was a member of the Advisory Council to the Ministry of Shipping. He retired in 1942, settling in Shoreham-by-Sea.

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Important facts

Birth century
Occupation
Education
Royal High School
Awards
Commander of the Order of the British Empire
Also known as
William Robert Locke Spence

People in William Robert Spence's life

Named in this biography and alive at the same time

Contemporaries

People whose lives overlapped William Robert Spence's

Frequently asked questions

Who was William Robert Spence?

Scottish trade union leader

When was William Robert Spence born?

William Robert Spence was born on 9 October 1875.

When did William Robert Spence die?

William Robert Spence died on 3 March 1954.

What was William Robert Spence's occupation?

William Robert Spence was a trade unionist.

Sources & further reading

· Wikipedia: William Robert Spence

· Wikidata: Q26720301

· DBpedia: William Robert Spence

Cite this page

APA: Biography.guide. (2026). William Robert Spence. https://biography.guide/william-robert-spence/

MLA: "William Robert Spence." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/william-robert-spence/.

Chicago: "William Robert Spence." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/william-robert-spence/.

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