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From: Rob Walker in Australia e-mail him
As well as the convict William Delaforce, have you heard of another branch of the Delaforce family in Australia, from whom the late Sir Earle Page was descended? If you are not aware, Ken, I have to say Sir Earle was on the conservative side of politics. He was the national leader of the Country Party in Australia, which was the junior party in coalition with Sir Robert Menzies' Liberals. Sir Earle even fluked a term as Prime Minister, although only for 19 days.
Earle's grandfather was James Page, born 16 Nov 1814 Bromley Kent, and his mother was Susanna de la Force, born 28 Aug 1817 (bap. 21 Sep 1817 St Leonards Shoreditch, died 24 June 1898 Grafton New South Wales). They married at St John The Baptist Hoxton Shoreditch on 18 Oct 1840. Susanna's father was Thomas de la Force, Silkweaver, b. 1796 and his mother was Rebecca White, married 25 Dec 1809 Spitafields Christ Church Stepney). I have a hard copy of your cousin Patrick's great little book "The French Connection", but hold little expectation that I will ever be able to make the tie with the several Thomas de la Forces referred to in it as silk weavers.
I understand Ken that you do not profess to be a genealogist, but if you or Patrick are interested, the opening chapter of Earle Pages's autobiography "Truant Surgeon" (1963 Angus & Robertson) briefly outlines James Page's life as a school teacher, and his and his wife Susannah's migration in 1855 to Australia. Earle Page was originally a doctor and served in the Great War in that capacity. Most of the book is about Australian politics and probably too arcane for English tastes.
I am not directly related to Sir Earle (he was my grandfather's cousin). So most of what I have is not from primary authorities. But the connection does give some shine to my otherwise dull list of forebears, many of whom were well-behaved convicts.
In view of Patrick's military background, he might in particular find it interesting that one of Earle Page's nephews was Captain Robert Page. I understand his exploits are included in Ronald McKie's book, "The Heroes" (1960 Angus & Robertson). In one of the greatest sea raids of World War II he and other commandoes travelled to Singapore in a fishing boat. From canoes they blew up shipping in the harbour with limpet mines. They made their escape by paddling through the islands. The second operation, Rimau - "The Tiger", involving a mine-laying submarine, unfortunately came unstuck. Once again they island hopped through Indonesia for several months until Robert was captured near Timor. His exploits were so admired by the Japanese that they sought some pretext not to behead him. However, he sealed his own fate when upon being asked whether he had ever killed a Japanese, he replied "I am a British officer and my aim is sure".
If you know anything more about his family, please contact Rob Walker by e-mail.
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