William PALMER

Regimental number27471
Place of birthPort Wakefield South Australia
ReligionChurch of England
OccupationStevedore
Address7 Catherine Street, South Melbourne, Victoria
Marital statusMarried
Age at embarkation35
Next of kinWife, Mrs A Palmer, 239 City Road, South Melbourne, Victoria
Enlistment date6 May 1916
Rank on enlistmentGunner
Unit nameField Artillery Brigade 2, Reinforcement 20
AWM Embarkation Roll number13/30/3
Embarkation detailsUnit embarked from Melbourne, Victoria, on board HMAT A30 Borda on 20 October 1916
Rank from Nominal RollCorporal
Unit from Nominal Roll1st Divisional Ammunition Column
Recommendations (Medals and Awards)

Military Medal


Recommendation date: 26 August 1918

FateReturned to Australia 20 November 1918
Medals

Military Medal

' On 12th August 1918 between HAMEL and WARFUSEE-ABANCOURT Corporal PALMER showed great coolness and courage when about 80 rounds of ammunition caught fire. The gun pit in which this ammunition was stacked was situated close to the road along wich a large amount of traffic was passing and he immediately ordered two men off to deflect the stream of traffic. Picking up a shovel he then rusehed the gun pit and commenced shovelling earth into it in an attempt to quench the fire. One of the shells exploded and blew Corporal PALMER several yards away. When he regained his feet he made for the fire once more and continued using his shovel. He has succeeded in putting the fire out when another shell burst, wounding him in the face. He was evacuated badly wounded in the face and eyes.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 75
Date: 17 June 1919

Other details

War service: Western Front

Medals: Military Medal, British War Medal, Victory Medal