Temporary Acting Gunner Algernon Spiers was born in Banbury, Oxfordshire in January 1876 and entered the Royal Navy as a Boy 2nd Class aboard the Training Ship H.M.S. St. Vincent in June 1894. Following several other ship appointments, he joined H.M.Y. Victoria and Albert as an Able Seaman in early 1896, an appointment that witnessed his advancement to Petty Officer 1st Class and the award of his L.S. and G.C. Medal in January 1909. The outbreak of hostilities saw his return to more regular duties, albeit in a training capacity in Victory and Excellent, and in July 1918 he was granted the temporary rank of Acting Gunner, R.N.