Mr. Harold Page

Tribute to NG Secretary and His Son

IN a statement on October 5, the Aus tralian Army Minister (Mr. Forde) said:— “Members will be aware that Mr.

Harold Page, brother of Sir Earle Page, who was Government Secretary and Deputy Administrator of New Guinea at Rabaul at the time of its capture by the Japanese, is among the New Guinea civi lians now missing. I extend to members of Mr. Harold Page’s family the Govern ment’s sympathy in this unhappy time— which is accentuated by the fact that Mr. Harold Page’s son. Temporary-Cap tain Robert Page, is also missing, as a result of operations in the Pacific area.”

Mr. Forde said it was appropriate that he should refer to the gallant services of Captain Page, who was awarded the DSC. At the time of the award, it was known that his father was in Japanese hands and. on account of this and for other security reasons, action was taken to preclude an announcement from appearing in either the London or Com monwealth of Australia “Gazette.” “The operations which resulted in this award were of a secret nature, and were under taken under conditions of extreme hazard. His skill, courage and devotion to dutv in the face of the enemy were important factors in bringing the opera tions to a successful conclusion. Further details of this most gallant battle in the history of the AMF will be released soon.

It is with great regret that I announce that, as a result of other exploits of a somewhat similar nature, this officer has been posted missing, and his fate is as vet unknown.”

There are three well-known brothers in this distinguished family Sir Earle Page; Mr. Harold Rage, Government Sec retary in New Guinea for 20 years; and Rev. Roger Page, a leading resident of Tonga.