- Contributed by听
- Barry J. Page
- People in story:听
- Norman Stephen (Tony) Page R.N.
- Location of story:听
- The Pacific Theatre of War
- Background to story:听
- Royal Navy
- Article ID:听
- A6098024
- Contributed on:听
- 11 October 2005
Norman (Tony) Page (left) and three British sailors somewhere in the South Pacific, March, 1941
Following is the message written on the back of a post card sent from my uncle, Norman Stephen (Tony) Page, to his sister-in-law, Kathleen Page, in March, 1941.
Uncle Tony, who was born in 1911, was a career sailor in the Royal Navy; starting as soon as he could in the days of coal-burning warships. He rose through the ranks to become Petty Officer and, after the war, Lt-Commander in the R.N.V.R. He sailed all over the world and, during WW2, was involved in several engagements against the Japanese in the Far East. As a gunnery officer, he was wounded in action and invalided home.
In retirement, he would often spin yarns about his early days in the Navy and maintained his nautical deportment. His final years were spent in Hill Head, near Portchester, Hampshire and, after a prolonged illness, he passed peacefully away on October 2, 1982, aged 71.
Barry J. Page
Goderich, Ontario, Canada
Uncle Tony's Post Card Message:
"Just to let you know that I am still A1 and pleased to know despite your busy time you are keeping fit. I get news of you from Hilda and mother at various times, so you see you are not forgotten.
Many thanks for your Xmas card received March 17th - guess it got a bit hung up somewhere - yours was not the only one by any means - had two others the same day.
Was very pleased to hear you had a nice Xmas day together and to know that Donnie had a nice set of presents. Your Xmas was spent in a different temperature to where this photograph was taken. I cannot tell you where it is, but it is the sort of place those survivors of the German raider were found on. There were more houses on this particular piece of land.
I hope young Donnie and Don have managed to have pleasant birthdays. All being well I hope to be home as I fully expect to be recalled home in the near future.
My sincere felicitations to Lady Hilda when you see her. My fond love to yourselves."
Affectionately,
Norman
March 21, 1941
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