Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

British War Medal 1914-20 (172 T.S.M. A. Palmer, R.F.C.), together with a silver identity disc fashioned from a 5 Franc coin, neatly engraved with R.F.C. wings and ‘A. Palmer, 172, C. of E.’, good very fine (2) £60-80

Albert Palmer enlisted in the fledgling Royal Flying Corps in July 1912 and was advanced to Air Mechanic 1st Class in February of the following year. Embarked for France in August 1914, he was posted to No. 1 Aircraft Reserve Depot, gaining advancement to Corporal in February 1915, to Sergeant in March 1916 and to Temporary Sergeant-Major (Technical) in August 1917. Two months later he was admitted to No. 8 General Hospital in Rouen, suffering from an abscess to his left knee, as a consequence of which he was evacuated to the U.K. and treated at the Royal Victoria Hospital, Netley. He was finally discharged in June 1920, having latterly served on attachment to No. 105 Squadron.