Historical information

Memorial plaque and Letter of condolence from Buckingham Palace signed by King George V sent to the family George William PAGE - born 20/5/1900. He served with the RAN aboard HMAS Tingira a training ship for boys during the First World War. He died by accidental drowning in Sydney on 16/3/1919. Service No 6790

Significance

George William PAGE served with the RAN aboard HMAS Tingira a training ship for boys during the First World War. On 16/3/1919 he died by accidental drowning.
In 1911 Sobraon was purchased by the Commonwealth Government for £15,000 and fitted out as a boy’s training ship at Mort’s Dock Balmain. The name chosen for her was an aboriginal word meaning ‘open sea’ and she was commissioned into the RAN as HMAS Tingira on 25 April 1912. On 1 June 1912 the first batch of 37 boys recruited from New South Wales joined Tingira. Drafts from other states quickly followed, completing the first intake of 100. Entry was limited to boys between the ages of 14½ and 16 years who were bound to serve for seven years following their 18th birthday.

Physical description

Round metal plaque and letter with red crest mounted on rectangular timber board.

Inscriptions & markings

"HE DIED FOR FREEDOM AND HONOUR"
GEORGE WILLIAM PAGE