A Collection of Medals to the Royal Navy and Royal Marines formed by Commander Ron Champion, RN

Four: Engineer Captain G. H. Page, Royal Navy

China 1900, no clasp (Engr., R.N., H.M.S. Aurora); Africa General Service 1902-56, 1 clasp, Somaliland 1908-10 (Engr. Lieut., R.N., H.M.S. Philomel); Naval General Service 1915-62, 1 clasp, Persian Gulf 1909-1914 (Engr. Lieut., R.N., H.M.S. Philomel); British War Medal 1914-19 (Eng. Commr., R.N.) good very fine and better (4) £400-450

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, A Collection of Medals to the Royal Navy and Royal Marines formed by Commander Ron Champion, RN.

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Gilbert Howard Page was born at Corfu, Greece in July 1874 and entered the Royal Navy as an Assistant Engineer in June 1894. Advanced to Engineer in January 1899, he served off China in H.M.S. Aurora in the following year, and became an Engineer Lieutenant in March 1903, with seniority of 1 July 1899. Appointed to the Philomel in early 1908, Page went on to serve in the Somaliland operations, gaining his Captain’s commendation:

‘As to the conduct and behaviour of the Officers and men of H.M.S. Philomel whilst employed in the blockading of the Somali coast, the greatest credit is due Engineer Lieutenant Page. The ship has always been ready and there have been no mishaps and the Engine Room Department have carried out their most arduous duties in a most exemplary manner. Steam has been on the Main Engines, or at short notice, on 156 days out of 198.’

Page went on to serve in the Persian Gulf operations aboard the same ship and was advanced to Engineer Commander in June 1911. Afterwards employed ashore in President, he returned to a seagoing appointment aboard the Commonwealth in July 1916 and, in July 1917, aboard the Emperor of India, both ships belonging to the Home Fleet. He was finally placed on the Retired List in the rank of Engineer Captain in June 1924.