Regimental number | 395 |
Place of birth | Joel Joel N/A |
Religion | Church of England |
Occupation | Farmer |
Address | Joel Joel |
Marital status | Single |
Age at embarkation | 24 |
Next of kin | James Palmer, Joel Joel via Stawell, Victoria |
Enlistment date | |
Rank on enlistment | Private |
Unit name | 13th Light Horse Regiment, B Squadron |
AWM Embarkation Roll number | 10/18/1 |
Embarkation details | Unit embarked from Melbourne, Victoria, on board Transport A34 Persic on |
Rank from Nominal Roll | Private |
Unit from Nominal Roll | 13th Light Horse Regiment |
Recommendations (Medals and Awards) |
Military Medal (altered from Distinguished Service Medal) |
Fate | Returned to Australia |
Medals |
Military Medal 'For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty near NAUROY during the operations of 29th and 30th September 1918. Palmer was attached to Brigade Headquarters as a galloper between Brigade and Battalion Headquarters. On the night of the 29th/30th September whilst carrying despatches to one of the forward Battalions he got caught in a very heavy barrage and had his horse killed under him, he himself being heavily thrown and badly shaken. He continued on foot, delivered his despatches and reported back to Brigade headquarters. By this time telephonic communication had been cut and all other runners who were acquainted with the locality had become casualties. Hearing that an important operation order had to go out, Palmer volunteered to carry it, although still suffering from shock. On reaching a point West of BELLICOURT he was informed that the forward routes were closed to traffic owing to the intense enemy artillery fire; he left his horse, a fresh one which he had obtained, with the traffic post and fearlessly pushed forward on foot. He safely delivered his despatches after going through one of the heaviest barrages that has been experienced on this front. His work was a fine example of courage and devotion to duty.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 109 Date: |
Date of death | |
Place of burial | Cheltenham Memorial Park Cemetery |