Francis Spencer
Born 1st August 1790, Norfolk Island

Every Anzac Day someone writes into Newspapers claiming certain persons to be the first or youngest enlistment in the armed forces to serve their nation. The real honour goes to Francis Spencer. In 1792, he was enlisted into The New South Wales Corps as a Drummer Boy, while only one year five months of age. In line with practices he was rotated with personnel of the Corps’ Headquarters at Chatham in Kent, England, then aged 6 years & ten months he was transferred to the 11th Regiment of Foot (Devonshires). His unit served in action against Napoleon’s Army in Europe. At the age of 17 years he returned to New South Wales & was pensioned out. He then operated a Bakery for his father James Squire, in Kent Street next door to the family of fellow Norfolk Islanders, Mr & Mrs Nathaniel Lucas, whose son, William, married Francis’ half sister Sarah. In league with Robert Campbell, John Palmer, Garnham Blaxell & Samuel Terry later went to Launceston & commenced the Tasmanian Hop & Barley Industry under the guidance of his father James Squire. Francis died in Melbourne in 1851. Of all the boys born on Norfolk Island or of parents living in this period, at least six were found to have served in the British Armed Forces of their day; three Navy, two Marines & one Infantry. One reached the rank of Admiral. A defacto relationship noted in St. Phillips records & the will of James Squire, 1822, Supreme Court of New South Wales are further sources supporting this family connection.

Research from First Fleet records & James Hugh Donoghue Microfiche, The Military Research mentioned here was provided by Captain Chris Cacouris, U.S. Army retired.

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This Website last updated 16th January 2007