WW1

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Pedder Spencer Witt

Studio portrait of 2285 Lance Corporal (L Cpl) Spencer Pedder, 6th Battalion, in civilian clothes. L Cpl Pedder, a labourer from Albert Park, Vic prior to enlistment, embarked with the rank of Private with the 2nd Reinforcements from Melbourne on HMAT Clan McGillivray on 2 February 1915. Promoted to Lance Corporal at Gallipoli, he was later awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal in France "for conspicuous gallantry during operations when attending and removing the wounded. He organised stretcher bearers to replace casualties, cheering them on when they showed signs of exhaustion and setting a fine example." On 20 September 1917, aged 36, he died of wounds received in action and was buried in the Lijssenthoek military Cemetery, Belgium.

 Referring to the death in France of the former Tasmanian oarsman Spencer Pedder “Outrigger” writes in the “Leader”

He was regarded as the finest bow Tasmania ever had though he could give a good account of himself in any seat of a boat.  Coming to Melbourne in 1911 he joined the Albert Park club rowing his first race at No 5 in their crew which won the Grand Challenge Cup at Henley on 28^th October 1911. Like Herb Dickenson he was also of a very unassuming nature and always seemed to have a smile.  He quickly won a high place in the esteem of his fellow members at the Park and oarsmen generally.  Although of rather slight build he was a particularly powerful oarsman and one of the stamp who was never beaten until the other man had won though, as a matter of fact, the other man seldom won during his connection with the sport in Victoria.  In the early part of the war Spen Pedder was rejected on several occasions much to the amusement of oarsmen amongst whom it was the unanimous opinion if they wanted a man to take their part in a “scrap” of any description Spen Pedder would be their first choice.  However, he more than justified the decision of the doctor who finally accepted him as he went through the Gallipoli campaign without the slightest illness and it was said he usually did twice as much work as any other man.  In France he went “over the top” on several occasions and his friends had come to regard him as having a charmed life.  On many occasions he was offered promotion but preferred to do his “bit” in the ranks.  He was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal for his services in Gallipoli.  To his relatives the deepest sympathy of oarsmen throughout Victoria is extended.

The Weekly Courier 26^th October 1917

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