His Kighthood was announced in the London Gazette 8th June 1950:
CENTRAL CHANCERY OF THE ORDERS
OF KNIGHTHOOD.
St. James's Palace, S.W.I. 8th June, 1950.
The KING has been graciously pleased, on the occasion of the Celebration of His Majesty's Birthday, to signify his intention of conferring the Honour of Knighthood upon the following: —
Professor James Calvert SPENCE, M.C., M.D., D.Sc., F.R.C.P., .Professor of Child Health, University of Durham.