252007 Pte. Ernest Page British Army C Coy. 1/1st Btn. Hertfordshire Regiment from:Watton Road, Ware, Herts Ernest Page was a Territorial Force member. He had joined in 1912 in Ware and volunteered for Imperial Service at the very start of the war. He arrived in France in early November 1914 and took part in the Mons Canal, Cuinchy and Loos combats.
When his time as TF came to a close in 1916 the New Conscription Law had been past and he was given the choice of being demobbed, going home and being recalled or staying on and choosing in which unit he would serve. Having taken part in the battles that cost huge numbers of losses, spent 2 winters in wet, cold trenches he decided to join the Artillery.
However, the casualty numbers were so large that experienced men were needed with the newer recruits. And 6 months later he was transferred to an infantry unit with the Northumberland Fusiliers, at first in the 26th Battalion, then in the 23rd Battalion of 34th Division (4th Tyneside Scottish)
He took part in most major battles until 11th of April 1918 when his group was taken prisoner near Armentieres. During the night of the 10th the Germans had managed to cross the River Lys and cause a wedge between 22nd and 23rd Brigades. Ernest's unit was over-run it only had one remaining officer who advised they surrendered to the enemy, in this case a German Cavalry Unit,
You have fought well, lads, and we can now only surrender.
He spent the remainder of the conflict in the Gardelegen Camp. Saxony.
He was awarded the
1914 star, British War Medal and Victory Medal
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