Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

Born in Spalding, on 11th April, 1911 to Henry and Annie Page, Hartley was the youngest of three sons, Charles and Roderick Henry and two sisters, Ruth and Vera. That mid north region was an area first settled by the Hawker brothers and Hughes families, pastoralists whose properties called Bungaree and Bundaleer still exist. Henry initially farmed in the area for some time. Hartley was just three years old, when his 36-year-old mother, Annie died on the 29th October ’14 at Jamestown. Henry later remarried Sarah Campell (nee Croft) who was also widowed, following the tragic death of her first husband at a Perth Brewery, when overcome with fumes from a vat.
Initially Hartley attended the Ackland Corner and Jamestown Primary Schools before his father moved to Clare in ’27 to become a business owner as a restaurateur. It was while operating in this business that 18-year-old Hartley and the Page family were involved in a disastrous fire that destroyed theirs and three other businesses in the Main Street of Clare in February ’30. The shops were two restaurants, a combined saddler and draper, and grocery business. It appeared that the fire started in Henry Page’s restaurant in the early hours of the morning, with flames being seeing through Page’s window. Despite valiant efforts by locals passing buckets of water to men on the roofs to combat the flames, prior to the arrival of the Clare Fire-fighting Association, the businesses were destroyed. One volunteer, standing on the roof was fortunate to escaped with a few abrasions when he fell through a skylight. Hartley, his father, and brothers were able to save some of the furniture from the back room and had insurance of £400 on the stock and furniture. Hartley, Rod and Charles and a cousin had previously been playing euchre in the back room of the business prior to their father locking up the shop late the previous night. Their sister Ruth had also been working there. Members of all the businesses and their families were interviewed but a cause of the fire could not be determined.
With the outbreak of WWII, Roderick was the first of the brothers to enlist on the 19th June ’40 SX5798, Charles on the 6th July ’40 SX8218 and Hartley enlisted on the 17th July 1940 at Wayville in what is now the Adelaide Showgrounds. From there, the new enlistees moved to Woodside in the Adelaide Hills to continue their training. All the brothers were allocated to the 2/48th Battalion.
Following pre-embarkation leave their Battalion sailed on the Stratheden in November 1940, arriving on the 17th December in the Middle East. Conditions in Tobruk were certainly a contrast to the tranquillity and greenness of the Clare district. The 2/48th Battalion was soon involved in the fierce fighting to retain Tobruk as a strategic position.
The brothers who enlisted in the same unit of the A.I.F., were inseparable companions until when Rod was allocated the duties of guarding towns and Italian prisoners in the campaign in Libya. Unfortunately, Hartley was to learn that his older brother, Rod had been taken as a prisoner of war at Corinth in Greece, news that was received back in Clare in June ’41.
By March ’42 Hartley and Charles were both home on leave and able to return to Clare for a lavish welcome by the Welcome Home Committee. The Northern Argus commented that ‘Everyone knows what many of these men have accomplished on active service abroad in Libya, Tobruk, Greece, Crete, Syria and elsewhere. They are assured of a generous welcome.’
Following training in Queensland, Hartley and Charles then left from Cairns to fight in totally different conditions in New Guinea. Soon after his return to the 2/48th in November ’43 unwanted news was received by his parents: ‘Mr. and Mrs. H. Page, of Burton, Street, Clare, have had word from the Minister for the Army that their son and stepson, Private Hartley Page, A.LF., was wounded in action in the recent New Guinea fighting on Nov. 8th., but is remaining on duty. He with his brother, Private Charley Page, A.I.F., returned about 15 months ago from the Middle East campaigns, and their brother Private Rod Page was taken prisoner at the time of the Battle for Greece and Crete, and has remained a prisoner in a German stalag ever since.’ The Chronicle also published the names of others wounded in action at the same time. They were SX13653 Pte. Leslie W. Bridgland 2/48th Black Forest, Wounded, Remaining On Duty. — SX8238 Pte. John C. C. Marshall, 2/48th Wankar; SX9122 Pte. H. Page 2/48th Clare. Of those listed with Hartley, all survived the war and were able to return home to their families.
Whilst still overseas, Hartley received the news that his 81-year-old stepmother, Sarah, who had been unwell for some time, died. The Northern Argus gave a detailed tribute in their April ’44 publication. ‘Mrs. Henry Page, of Burton Street, Clare, who passed away last week at the age of 81 years after ailing for some time, was greatly helped for years and prior to her last illness by the members of the Clare Salvation Army. Every now and then as members of the staff of the 'Northern Argus' passed homewards along Burton Street, they would hear hymns being sung of an evening round the bedside. Mrs. Page had three step-sons, Private Rod Page, A.I.F. (a prisoner of war in Germany, captured in Greece after three strenuous efforts to swim away and escape); Privates Charley and Hartley Page, who returned after strenuous campaigns in the Middle East and have since been in Northern battle zones.’
Another escape with ‘just’ an injury was recorded for Hartley soon after his stepmother’s death. The Chronicle reported that he had been removed from the seriously ill list, as was Owen Magner SX12466 from the 2/10th Battalion. Owen recovered from his injury and survived the war.
Hartley was further surprised to learn that his 71-year-old father had wasted no time in marrying for the third time just five months after Sarah’s death. It was a third marriage for both Henry and Annie Clark. Coincidentally, both also had their three sons serving in the AIF.
Finally, Hartley’s good fortune deserted him as the war was coming to an end. Aged 34 years, he was killed in action at Tarakan in Borneo on the 15th May ’45, almost five years after first enlisting. At the time, John Glenn in Tobruk to Tarakan recorded that ‘Strong patrols probed the north, east and west during the next few days. By 13th May our troops had occupied the prominent features of Flute, Esmie, Ossie and Dorry. Reports from our own patrols and from those of other units gave every indication that the enemy was withdrawing to the Freda ridge, where it seemed most probable he would make a stand. This particular ridge consisted of four knolls, separated from one another by a low saddle, completely covered by dense jungle. To the 2/48th fell the task of capturing these features.’ In Murray Farquhar’s book ‘Derrick V.C.’ the events experienced by Hartley and the 2/48th men are described: “In jungle combat, everything depends on individuals…. To pinch out that vital central knoll was imperative. With that gone, Japanese resistance would surely lessen. Meanwhile blood was being shed in the saddle. By this time snipers were wreaking havoc.’ It was during this assault that Hartley was killed.
Soon after, Diver Derrick, Victoria Cross recipient, was also to lose his life.
The Chronicle on 7th June reported those who were Killed In Action. — SX13639 Cpl. Alfred I. Badman 2/48th Pinnaroo; SX33417 Pte. Bill Giles, 2/24th, Coorabie; SX14145 Tpr. Harold E. Hole, 2/4th Armoured Regiment Kybybolite; SX9122 Pte. Hartley Page, 2/48th Clare; S7709 Pte. Rex G Swan, 24th Infantry, Port Pirie; SX4948 Pte. Donald W. Towers, 24th Infantry Gepp's Cross. Died Of Wounds. — SX14298 Pte. Roy P. Toohey. 2/48th Tibooburra.
The Northern Argus published an eloquent tribute to Hartley in May ’45.
‘THE Town Hall flag flying at halfmast last Friday, May 17th, gave us another reminder that all is not yet over against the Japs. For it conveyed the sad news that Private Hartley Page (34) the youngest son of Mr. Henry Page and the late Mrs. Annie Page, of Burton St., Clare, had been killed in action. He enlisted in April 1940, and one brother, Charles, who was with him in the North Africa campaigns, was only recently discharged in Adelaide. A third brother, Roderick, was taken prisoner by the Germans in Greece after three unsuccessful attempts by swimming to escape. He has been a prisoner in Germany since then, and word of his whereabout has not yet been notified lately in the latest releases. Hartley fought at Tobruk, in Syria, and at the famous rout of the German and Italian Armies at El Alamein. Here is a copy of portion of a printed letter received of an address by General Sir Harold Alexander, Commander in Chief of the Middle East Forces, given to all troops who took part: — 'The Battle of Alamein has made history and you are in the proud position of having taken a major part in that great victory. Your reputations as fighters has always been famous, but I do not believe you have ever fought with greater bravery or distinction than you did during that battle, when you broke the German and Italian Armies in the Western Desert. Now you have added fresh lustre to your already illustrious name.' The late Hartley Page was born at Spalding and went to the Ackland Corner and Jamestown Primary Schools. He served 3 years in the Middle East, and on return went into Northern Island battle zones. He was of a quiet, unassuming disposition, a good soldier and once refused the non-commissioned rank of Sgt. His sisters are Mrs. Vera Pascoe, of Whyalla, and Mrs. Ruth Siviour, of Barmera and Loveday. Much sympathy has been expressed for the bereaved Father and relatives. Of Hartley Page we can say in the words of a famous poem: — He is one — 'Who has joined the choir invisible of those immortal dead who live again in deeds of daring.’
The news was bittersweet for the family as the following May issue of the Northern Argus carried the incredible report of older brother Rod’s release as a POW. His father received a cablegram reading 'Arrived England Plane. Safe. Everything O.K. — Rod Page.' Henry commented that ‘One week-end they had bad news in the loss of one son; and the next week-end — good news that the other son was safe. Rod is 37 years of age and has kept his chin-up under all conditions while a prisoner, and previous letters indicate he was cheerful, in good health and reminded his people not to worry.’
To further complicate the family’s emotions, ‘official news was received that the third son, Charles, who had returned from the conflict, had died on Nov. 13th in the Royal Adelaide Hospital.’ A cheque was forwarded to Henry and a guarantee that all hospital expenses had been paid. In reality, Charles had been in the Royal Adelaide Hospital but recovered and was working at the West End Brewery. A mistake had been made confusing him with a different Charlie Page. The misunderstanding was soon dispersed by their sister, Ruth Siviour, living at Loveday, investigating.
Initially buried in the field Hartley was re-interred in his final resting place at Labuan War Cemetery, Brunei Bay on 11th June ‘49 in Plot 24 Row A Grave 11. His father chose the headstone inscription ‘His duty fearlessly and nobly done. Ever remembered.’ Hartley rests with others from the 2/48th Battalion. They include 31 year old NX90575 Private Michael McGillion, 25 year old SX13639 Corporal Alfred Badman, 19 year old WX22750 Private R McLeod, 28 year old WX9876 Corporal T.J. Ryan, 23 year old NX119119 Private F.M. Wells, 28 year old SX4814 Private A.R.Kelly, 25 year old WX12035 Corporal E Johns, 25 year old WX32775 Corporal R.S.D. Winter, 31 year old SX7964 Lieutenant ‘Diver’ T.C. Derrick (Victoria Cross) and 24 year old SX8386 Private L.R. Gale.
Over the ensuing years, his family continued to remember Hartley.

Advertiser Monday 21 May 1945, PAGE, SX9122.—On May 15, at Tarakan. Hartley, dearly beloved youngest son of Henry and the late Annie, and brother of Rod (P.0.W.) Germany, Vera, Charles and Ruth. We hoped for his safe return And longed to clasp his hand; But God postponed that meeting. It will be in a better land. —Inserted by his loving father and stepmother, Clare.
Advertiser Wednesday 15 May 1946, PAGE. SX9122, A.I.F.—In loving memory of Hartley, killed In action at Tarakan May I5. A tribute of love and affection of one we will never forget. — Always Remembered by Ruth, Sykes, Tom and Pam PAGE. —In loving memory of Hartley, killed at Tarakan May 15. Not only today, but every day, in silence we remember. —Ever remembered by Vera, Roy, Ron and David. PAGE. SX9122. A.I.F.—In loving memory of Hood, killed In action at Tarakan, May 15. Memory is a golden chain That links us till we meet again. —Ever remembered by Rod and Charley.
Advertiser Thursday 15 May 1947, PAGE In proud memory of Hartley killed Tarakan May 15, 1945. Whatever else we fail to do, we never fail to think of you. Always remembered by Ruth, Sykes, Pam Tom. PAGE – In loving memory of Hartley, killed at Tarakan May 15, 1945, Whatever else we fail to do, we never fail to think of you. Always remembered by Vera, Roy, Ron, and David. PAGE – In loving memory of Hood, killed Tarakan May 15, 1945. To be with us in the same old way would be our dearest wish today. Ever remembered by Rod, Chas
Advertiser Saturday 15 May 1948, PAGE. —In loving memory of Hood, killed at Tarakan, May 15, 1945.— Ever remembered by Rod and Chas. PAGE. —In loving memory of Hartley, killed Tarakan, May 15, 1945. We who loved you can never forget. — Ever remembered by Vera, Roy, Ron and David. PAGE, Hartley. —Killed in action, Tarakan, May 15, 1945. His memory is our dearest keepsake. —Ever remembered, Ruth, Sykes, Pam, Tom
Advertiser Saturday 14 May 1949, PAGE. —In loving memory of Hartley, killed at Tarakan, May 15. He lives in our hearts forever: —Always remembered by Vera, Roy, Ron and David.
Advertiser Monday 15 May 1950, PAGE. — In loving memory of Hood killed In action. — Ever remembered by Rod and Chas. PAGE. — In loving memory of Hartley killed at Tarakan May 15. Golden memories silently kept of one we loved and will never forget. —Remembered always by Vera, Roy, Ron and David. PAGE. — In loving memory of Hood, killed in action. May 15. 1945.— Ever remembered by Ruth. Sykes, Pam and Tom
Advertiser Tuesday 15 May 1951, PAGE. — In loving memory of Hartley. 2/48th. killed in action, Tarakan. A memory to cherish our whole life through. — Always remembered. Ruth, Sykes, Pam and Tom. PAGE. — In loving memory of Hood killed Tarakan. May I5 1945. — Always remembered by Rod and Chas.
Advertiser Thursday 15 May 1952, PAGE. — In loving memory of Hood, killed in action. May I5 1945. Always longed for. — Ruth, Sykes, Pam, Tom. PAGE. — In loving memory of Hood, killed Tarakan. May I5 1945. — Always remembered by Rod and Chas.
Advertiser Friday 15 May 1953, PAGE. — In loving memory of Hood, killed in action. 1945.— Ever remembered by Ruth, Sykes. Pam. Tom PAGE. — In loving memory of Hood, killed May 15. 1945.— Ever remembered by Rod and Chas.
Advertiser Saturday 15 May 1954, PAGE. — In loving memory of Hood, killed in action. 1945.— Ever remembered by Ruth, Sykes, Pam, Tom PAGE.— In loving memory of Hood, killed May 15. 1945.— Ever remembered by Rod and Chas.

Three years after Hartley’s death, Henry died on the 27th May ’48 and now rests in the Clare Cemetery.
Written and researched by Kaye Lee, daughter of Bryan Holmes SX8133 2/48th Battalion