Major Michael S Page

Michael 'Mike' Stuart Page was born on 5 August 1912 at St Thomas Vicarage, Southborough, Kent. He was the son of the Reverend Meaburn Staniland Page and Marjorie Susan.

Michael was educated at Marlborough College and achieved a BA from Cambridge University, later teaching mathematics at Glasgow Academy.

In May 1937 Second Lieutenant Page was commissioned into the Territorial Army in Glasgow. In 1940 WS/Lieutenant Page transferred to The Black Watch (Royal Highland Regiment), and served in the UK and in India.

In November 1942 Acting Captain Page transferred to The Parachute Regiment and was posted to HQ Company, 156 Parachute Battalion. Whilst serving in Italy in 1943, WS/ Captain Page was Mentioned in Dispatches. The London Gazette records state award given in August 1944 

In September 1944 Major Page took part in Operation Market Garden, and was again Mentioned in Dispatches. Recorded in The London Gazette May 1945. He flew out as OC Battalion HQ on 17 September 1944. 

Major Page was killed in action at the age of 33, on 20 September whilst moving from man to man giving encouragement, after they had run into the path of a German half track. Michael was armed with just a captured German Mauser.  Michael was buried in Sonnenburg field. He was later laid to rest in The Oosterbeek War Cemetery, Arnhem.

Major Geoffrey Powell a fellow officer fighting alongside Mike said "How could this happen to Michael, so vast, so indestructible, the humorous, gentle Michael"

Michael Page was married to Jocelyn Isobel Page, and had two daughters and one son.

Headstone photograph courtesy of Bob Hilton.