Source: Michael Doyle Their Name Liveth For Evermore: The Great War Roll of Honour for Leicestershire and Rutland.
He was the son of John Woods Page, a railway station master, born in the January quarter of 1853 in Cavendish, Suffolk (son of Robert Page, 1817-1899 and Hannah Ellett (Elliot), 1817) and his wife Sybella Page (nee Brown, married on the 11th June 1878 in St. Mary & All Saint’s Church, Bingham, Nottinghamshire), born in the January quarter of 1852 in Bingham, Nottinghamshire (daughter of Thomas Brown and Susannah Bailey).
Clifford Lindsay was born in the October quarter of 1880 in Stathern, Leicestershire, his siblings were, Sidney Woodes, born on the 18th July 1878 and Eveline, born in the July quarter of 1879, both his siblings were born in Bingham, in April 1881 the family home was at Stathern.
In April 1891 Clifford was a schoolboy and was residing in the family home at Harby Road, Stathern, together with his father a railway station master, his mother and siblings, Sidney, a schoolboy, Eveline, a schoolgirl, Mabel Hannah, a schoolgirl, born in the January quarter of 1883, Russell Howard, a schoolboy, born in the April quarter of 1884 and baptised on the 24th October 1886 in the Church of St. Guthlac, Stathern, Dora Mary, born in the July quarter of 1888 and baptised on the 1st January 1898 in the Church of St. Guthlac, Stathern and Robert Clement, born in the April quarter of 1890 and baptised on the 1st January 1898 in the Church of St. Guthlac, Stathern, the latter four siblings were all born in Stathern.
In March 1901 Clifford was absent from the family home at Stathern, Leicestershire, residing there was his father, a railway station master, his mother and siblings, Russell, a Great Northern Railway office porter, Dora, Robert and Thomas Oliver Ernest, born in the January quarter of 1895 in Stathern and baptised on the 1st January 1898 in the Church of St. Guthlac, Stathern, also residing with the family was Clifford’s niece, Dorothy Sybil Page, born in the October quarter of 1897 in Stathern and baptised on the 1st January 1898 in the Church of St. Guthlac, Stathern, meanwhile Clifford was employed as a steel smelter and was residing as a boarder at 43, Buckenham Road, Brightside Bierlow, Sheffield, Yorkshire.
In April 1911 Clifford was absent from the family home in Stathern, residing there was his father, a railway station master, his mother and siblings, Sidney, a draper’s assistant, Thomas, a railway clerk and Clifford’s Niece Dorothy, a schoolgirl, meanwhile Clifford was employed as a Police Constable and was residing as a boarder at Highfields, Snibston, Leicestershire.
Clifford married Emily Taberner on the 27th January 1913 in St. Mary’s Church, Snibston, Leicestershire, the officiant was J. W. Atkins, Vicar, the witnesses were, Ernest Taberner and Clarissa Deakin. Emily was born on the 29th June 1889 in Coalville, Leicestershire (daughter of William Osborne Taberner, 1866 and Louisa Wakeling, 1865). Clifford and Emily had a daughter Florence Sybil who was born on the 2nd July 1913 in Whitwick, Leicestershire and baptised on the 24th August 1913 in St. Mary’s Church, Snibston, the family home was at 22, Jackson Street, Coalville, Leicestershire.
Clifford enlisted/attested into the Regular Army on the 19th April 1901 in Sheffield, and was allotted the regimental service number 6299. He gave his place of birth as Stathern, Leicestershire and age as 19 years and 7 months. His marital status was given as unmarried and his trade or calling as steel smelter.
His description on enlistment recorded his apparent age as [not visible-page damaged], height 5-feet 11 inches weight 140 lbs, chest measurement of between 34 and 36 inches his complexion was described as fresh, he had grey eyes and his hair colour was dark brown. The following distinctive marks were noted, [None visible-page damaged]. He gave his religion as Church of England.
He was certified as fit for the Army. Date 19th April 1901. Place Sheffield.
He gave his next of kin as his father John Wood Page, Stathern, Leicestershire.
The compilation of events that occurred during his period of military service are taken from the following sources: - Casualty Form – Active Service (B.103). Statement of the Services of. Military History Sheet.
Joined. Depot Worcestershire Regt. Pte. 19/4/01.
Posted. To 1st Bn. Worcestershire Regt. Pte. 9/11/01.
Promoted. Lance Corporal (unpaid). 18/11/02.
Resigns Lance stripe. 28/11/02.
Extended service to complete 8 years with the Colours. 1/4/04.
Granted. 2nd Good Conduct Badge. 19/4/06.
Transferred. To Army Reserve. 18/4/08.
Transferred. To Section “A” Army Reserve. 19/4/09.
Re-engaged. Section “D” Army Reserve. 1/4/12.
Taken on strength in Leicester. 19/4/13.
Mobilized. 5/8/14.
Posted. To 2nd Bn. Worcestershire Regt. 11/9/14.
Disembarked. France. 11/9/14.
Admitted. To No.8 General Hospital, Rouen, gunshot wound thigh. 15/11/14.
Discharged. To Convalescent Camp, Rouen. 3/12/14.
Deprived 7 days’ pay for being in an estaminet out of bounds in Rouen. 18/2/15.
Reported missing in action. In the Field. Richebourg. 16/5/15.
Confirmed. Killed in action Richebourg 15/16/5/15 vide Court of Enquiry held on the 12/10/15.
The following is the content of a badly damaged letter from Clifford’s father: - Dear Sir, --- will excuse me travelling --- writing on behalf of my son Clifford --- under your command, No. 6299, --- Regiment. He joined in Apl. last in Sheffield --- then wanted to join the life guards --- chest measurement was not quite sufficient --- the Sergeant recommended him to take --- in an infantry regiment for a time --- to come up to the measurement standard --- now desirous of joining the life guards --- 2nd dragoon guards; & my object in --- to you is to ask your kindness and --- in getting him transferred, he --- if possible, join the life guards: --- do for him what you can. I remain Sir. Yours Faithfully J. W. Page (Station Master).
A further letter from Clifford’s brother Thomas and the response reads as follows: - Included in Clifford’s surviving service record is the following letter, dated the 25th January 1921 from his brother Thomas. From: Headquarters, Grenadier Guards, Buckingham Palace Gate, S.W.1. To: The Officer in Charge of Infantry Records, Warwick the content as follows: Sir, I shall be glad if you will inform me if you have received any information as to the place of burial of my brother No. 6299 Pte. C. Page, Worcester Regiment, who was reported “Missing” in May 1915. I am Sir, Your obedient Servant. T. Page C/S (O.R.S.) In reply was a letter dated the 27th January 1921 from the Officer in Charge of Infantry Records, Old Barracks, Warwick to Clifford’s brother, Colour Sergeant Thomas Page, Headquarters, Grenadier Guards, Buckingham Palace Gate, London S.W.1. The contents as follows: Re No. 6299, Pte. Clifford Page, 2nd Bn. Worcestershire Regiment. Killed in Action, Expeditionary Force, France, 15/16/5/1915. Reference your enquiry of the 25th inst relative to your late Brother the above-named soldier. In reply I have to inform you that his grave site has not yet been located and that all enquiries have so far proved unsuccessful. The Battlefields are now being carefully and systematically searched and the late soldier’s Next of Kin will be immediately notified should his grave be found.
Summary of Service.
Total Service. 14 years 28 days.
He was awarded the 1914 Star with Clasp & Rose, British War Medal and Victory Medal.
SERVICE RECORD NOTE: In September 1940, as the result of a fire caused by an incendiary bomb at the War Office Record Store in Arnside Street, London, approximately two thirds of 6.5 million soldiers’ documents for the First World War were destroyed. Those records which survived were mostly charred or water damaged and unfit for consultation and became known as the “burnt documents.” As a consequence, the content and condition of the surviving records can range from good to extremely poor. The hand written information is, in some instances barely legible, and the number of pages that should comprise a full record, in some cases are either badly damaged or missing entirely, however where possible the available information has been transcribed so that it may at least offer the reader a little descriptive insight into some, if not all of the events and background information surrounding the period of service.
The War Diary records: 15-16 May-15 – “B” and “D” Companies in trenches. “A” and “C” in billets near WINDY CORNER. (The 1st Army was ordered to take the offensive on the night 15th/16th May.) The 5th Brigade were ordered to attack the German trenches on their front – Section R.6 and V.1 to North West corner of salient between V.3 and V.6. The Battalion was detailed to form front line of attack from ditch 150 yards East of CINDER TRACK to ditch just East of communication trench running through copse (Frontage 320 yards). The attack to be carried out by successive lines at intervals of about 100 yards. A working party of about 150 men of GLASGOW HIGHLANDERS to move as third line with picks, shovels and sandbags. Special bombing parties were told off. White distinguishing badges were worn. About 10.00pm “B” and “D” Companies commenced moving out in front of our breastworks. This continued until 11.20pm but was very slow work as there were only a few tunnels under our breastworks to get through. By 11.15pm the whole of “B” and “D” Companies and half of “A” and “C” Companies and most of the working party of GLASGOW HIGHLANDERS were out in front of our wire entanglements, and all ready to make the assault. The attack was ordered to take place simultaneously all along our front at 11.30pm to be carried out in absolute silence and at a walk until the enemy’s trench was approached when it was to be rushed. At 11.28pm the enemy opened a heavy fire with rifles and Machine Guns. At 11.30pm the advance commenced but the left Company (“D”) could make no forward progress owing to the enemy’s heavy fire. “B” Company supported by “A” went forward with great dash but suffered so heavily that only three officers and a few men got near the German line, one of these officers (Lieutenant McCORMICK) being severely wounded close up to the German wire and unfortunately could not be removed. He was reported to be killed later. The working party of the GLASGOW HIGHLANDERS went forward with great dash – some of them almost reaching the German line before being shot down. The attack had failed along the front allotted to the Indian Corps and 5th Brigade, except that half of the INNISKILLING FUSILIERS had got across and occupied the German breastworks. The 6th Brigade on our right and the 7th Division on their right also got into the German line. “D” and “C” Companies who could not get forward remained lying in dead ground in anticipation of making a fresh attack at 3.15am next day. But owing to the darkness and absence of reports from the right Companies and congestion of breastworks it was utterly impossible to re-organise for a fresh attack. Before dawn what remained of the Companies in front were withdrawn to breastworks. At daybreak the Battalion was ordered back to ‘B’ Line and later to the breastworks running east near WINDY CORNER. Casualties Lieutenants McCORMICK and SCOTT and 2nd Lieutenants TOSWILL, HART and TEMPLE wounded, other ranks: - Killed 11. Wounded 95. Missing 127. Wounded and Missing 10. The Battalion spent the night 16th/17th in billets near WINDY CORNER.
On Saturday November 7th 1914, The Leicester Evening Mail published the following article under the heading. LEICESTERSHIRE AND THE WAR. – ENDERBY CONSTABLE WOUNDED. – Mrs. Page, the wife of P.C. Page, of Enderby, a member of the Leicestershire County Police Force, has received a message from her husband to say that he has been wounded. P.C. Page was called up as a reservist in a Worcester Regiment.
On Tuesday, October 26th,1915, The Leicester Daily Post published the following article under the heading. “LEICESTERSHIRE AND THE WAR.” – LOCAL CASUALTIES. – Private C. PAGE, B Company, 2nd Worcester’s, who has been killed, was the son of Mr. J. W. Page, formerly station master of Stathern. Deceased was a member of the Leicestershire County Constabulary, but had previously been in the army. It appears that Private Page met his death while attempting to rescue a wounded comrade. Much sympathy is felt for the widow and daughter, who reside in Coalville.
On Tuesday, November 9th, 1915, The Leicester Daily Post published the following article under the heading. “LEICESTERSHIRE AND THE WAR.” – LOCAL CASUALTIES. – News has been received of the death of Private CLIFFORD PAGE, 2nd Worcester’s, late of the Leicestershire Constabulary, and stationed at Coalville, before which he was at Hinckley. His wife and one child reside at Jackson-street, Coalville. Page was killed in action in France between the 15th and 16th May, but his wife had intimation some months only as to his being missing. “The Police Review,” of October 22nd, said he was shot dead on the night of the 15th May while trying to bring in a wounded man from ground which had been abandoned. The gallant constable, who was called up as a reservist on the outbreak of the war, enjoyed the respect of the residents of Coalville, where he was a popular police-officer. He is the second constable of the Coalville district to fall.
On Wednesday, November 10th, 1915, The Leicester Daily Post published the following article under the heading. – FALLEN LEICESTERS. – (A photograph accompanied the article). – Pte. CLIFFORD PAGE, 2nd Worcester’s; at first missing, after-action May 15-16, now reported killed. He was a constable stationed at Coalville till called up as a reservist.
On the 15th December 1915, Clifford’s widow Emily was awarded a weekly Army Dependant’s Pension for herself and her daughter of fifteen shillings, to commence on the 27th December 1915.
NOTE: Clifford’s name also appears on the War Memorial Institute Memorial in Stathern, Leicestershire and also on the War Memorial inside the Church of St. John the Baptist, Enderby, Leicestershire
[recognitum II-XII-MMXXIII]

Source: Leicestershire War Memorials Project.
Coalville Times article - Friday June 14th, 1915

Former Coalville Policeman Posted as Missing

The wife of P.C. Page, who is now residing with her parents, Mr and Mrs Taberner, in Jackson Street, Coalville, has received notice from the War Office that her husband has been missing since May 16th, following a battle at ______. It was pointed out that this does not necessarily mean that he has been killed or wounded, but he may have been taken prisoner, or have joined some other regiment. If any information concerning his whereabouts is received it will be at once sent on.

Pte. C. Page was formerly a police constable residing at Highfields, Coalville, for about two and a half years, after which he was moved to Enderby where he has been for about four months when war broke out. He was called up on August 5th as a reservist of the Worcestershire Regiment and has been at the front several months. A field postcard dated May 15th was recently received by Mrs Page from her husband, stating he was well and on May 17th she sent him a parcel which has now been returned.

Coalville Times article - Friday October 29th, 1915

Coalville Ex-Policeman Shot While Performing a Brave Deed

Some months ago, Pte. Clifford Page, who before the war was in the Leicestershire Constabulary, stationed at Enderby and formerly at Coalville and Hinckley, was posted as missing after one of the battles in France, and he is now reported to have been killed in action.

The “Police Review” of October 22nd contains the following paragraph:

“About three months ago, we stated that Pte. Clifford Page of Coalville, of the Leicestershire Constabulary, was reported missing. We are now informed that he was shot dead on the night of May 15th, while trying to bring in a wounded man from ground which had to be abandoned. P.C. Page served at Hinckley and Coalville and his comrades there will feel proud in having been associated with one who met his fate so gallantly.”

Page was in the Worcestershire Regiment and was called up as a reservist on the outbreak of war. His wife, with one child, is residing with her mother, Mrs Taberner, of Jackson Street, Coalville, her father, who was in the Coalville Citizen Corps, having recently died.

On Wednesday morning, Mrs Page received an official notice of the death from the Infantry Record Office, Warwick, stating that her husband was killed in action in France between May 15th and 16th. Accompanying the notice was a letter from Lord Kitchener, expressing the sympathy of the King and Queen.

Coalville Times article - Friday October 29th, 1915

In Memoriam

In loving memory of Pte. Clifford Page, 2nd Worcestershire Regiment, killed in action in France, May 15/16, 1915.

We never knew what pain he had,
We never saw him killed
We only know he passed away
Without a last goodbye

“He did his duty”

From his sorrowing wife and little daughter Sybil aged two years.
Jackson Street, Coalville

Coalville Times article - Friday May 29th, 1916

IN MEMORIAM

In loving memory of Private Clifford Page, who was killed at the Battle of Richlebourg, between the 15th and 16th of May, 1915.

“No loved one stood beside him
To hear his last farewell
No word of comfort could he have
From those he loved so well”

From his affectionate wife and little daughter, Sybil.

Coalville Times article - Friday May 7th, 1920

LOCAL CHIT CHAT

There has just been hung up in the office at the Coalville Police Station, and at every Police Station in Leicestershire, a handsomely-designed roll of honour, in oak frame, in connection with the war services of the Leicestershire County Constabulary. At the time war broke out, there were 202 men on the Force in the county and of these, no less than 70 joined the Colours. Ten made the supreme sacrifice, and two were totally incapacitated by wounds. Splendid portraits of the ten men who fell are given in the picture and it is noteworthy that three of them went from the Coalville district. They were P.C. L. Henson, who was stationed at New Swannington, and P.C.’s Clifford Page and T. Grainger, both of Coalville. Another of the killed was P.C. Prew, the son of a former Hugglescote constable. The names of all the men who served in the war appear on the Roll of Honour. Many of the men won war decorations and promotions. The members of the Force have defrayed the cost of the Roll of Honour by voluntary contributions.

Research undertaken and submitted (including photograph from the Coalville Times) by Andy Murby 09/09/2017