David was born in Musselburgh, Midlothian, Scotland c1890.
He was a single farm labourer when he enlisted on 20 October 1914. He listed his mother, Mrs Spence of 13 Bridge Street, Musselburgh, Scotland as his next of kin. He was 5 foot 8 inches tall, weighed 130 pounds with a fresh complexion, fair hair and grey eyes.
David embarked aboard the A52 Surada on 17 February 1915. He served at Gallipoli and the Western Front. It is likely he was involved in the Battle of the Nek on 7 August 1915, when many lives were lost in futile waves of men 'going over the top'.
David was discharged on 8 October 1919. He was a member of the VDC in Gnowangerup during WWII, and his son Harry enlisted and was promoted to Corporal.
David served in the same Refs unit as John ('Jack') Matheison and Alfred McCluskey who were both killed in action.
David married May Jameson in 1935 and they both ran "Spence's" a cafe and grocery store in Gnowangerup from the late 1930's until the early 1940's.
One of their children was named Patricia 'Pat' who attended the Gnowangerup State School.
H. Spence served in WWII and is believed to be David's son. The Spence family later moved to Northam.
David died in 1959 aged 70.