|
In memory of those who have Crossed the Bar
PAIGE, Leslie Arthur Coope, BEM, CPO, RCN - 40, a member of the permanent staff at HMCS Queen since May 1950, died suddenly in the General Hospital, Regina, March 30, 1952.
Born at New Westminster, B.C., CPO Paige received his schooling there and in Vancouver prior to joining the RCN as an ordinary seaman in February 1931.
He obtained his early training in HMCS NADEN and at sea in HMCS VANCOUVER. Other ships in which he served before the war included the ARMENTIERES, SKEENA and OTTAWA. He took a gunnery course in HMS EXCELLENT in 1938 and at the outbreak of war was a Leading Seaman, serving at HMCS STADACONA, Halifax.
He went overseas in November 1939 to qualify as a gunner's mate and in January 1940 was promoted to Acting Petty Officer. He was confirmed in this rate a year later, while serving aboard HMCS RESTIGOUCHE. He was promoted to Chief Petty Officer in January 1943 and from then until the end of the war was employed in a training capacity at various shore establishments at both coasts.
For his "loyalty, efficiency and diligent co-operation in the training of gunnery personnel" during the war years, CPO Paige was awarded the British Empire Medal in January 1946. He also possessed the Long Service and Good Conduct Medal.
CPO Paige was. attached to the Gunnery School at HMCS STADACONA from June 1946 until May 1950, when he was drafted to the Regina Naval Division. He qualified as a gunnery instructor in July 1948.
CPO Paige took part in numerous activities at HMCS QUEEN. He was president of the chief and petty officers' mess; was in charge of training the naval section of a composite Navy-Arny guard for the Royal Visit to Regina last October, was organizer and instructor of rifle shooting classes and was involved in various other affairs at the division.
Surviving are his wife, Mrs. Sarah J. Paige, two brothers and two sisters. He was buried April 7 in the Victoria Naval Cemetery with full naval honors. (CROWSNEST Magazine May 1952)
CPO Paige's brother John Ernest Paige died during the Second World War when HMS BELMONT was torpedoed and sunk.
Ships served in: HMCS RESTIGOUCHE - Served in RESTIGOUCHE 1940-1941 as PO Gunner
|
