Raymond Walter Page

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Ray was the brother of Cleveland Edmund Page, my first thread in this series.
Raymond Walter Page was the oldest son of Reuben Edward Page and Beatrice Mary (nee Dawson). He was born at Maitland East NSW on 8 April 1890.

Ray and his family moved around with his fathers work with the Royal Australian Engineers, but the family finally settled in Auburn NSW. After School, Ray was apprenticed as a carpenter and he was one of the best amateur cyclists of the Central Cumberland Cycling Club before WW1.

After the death of his brother, Ray volunteered for service on 13 Sep 1915 and was assigned to the 7th Coy Royal Australian Engineers. He embarked HMAT Suffolk on 22 Dec 1915 and in March 1916 was transferred to the 15th field company Engineers.

He saw the battles of Bullecourt, Fromelles, Pozieres, Menin Wood, and was promoted to Lance Corporal in July 1916 and to Sergeant in January 1917. At the Battle of Polygon Wood, he was severely wounded, losing the use of his arm for the rest of his life. He was evacuated to England and then returned to Australia.

He named his first son after his brother.

Ray and Cleve had several cousins who also served in WW1, who I will detail as the weeks go on.

Victor Raymond Watson born 1885, Enlisted 10 Jan 1916, 34th infantry battalion

Yule Sidney Watson born 1891, enlisted 12 Jan 1916, 1st Field Coy Engineers

Frederick Rodford Blandford, born 1895, enlisted 15 Mar 1916, 53th battalion, Killed in Action, Polygon Wood, comemorated on the Menin Gate

Percival Ewood Stanley Blandford born 1889, enlisted 2 Mar 1916, 9th Field Coy Engineers.