Auction Catalogue

25 & 26 June 2014

Starting at 10:00 AM

.

Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Washington Mayfair Hotel  London  W1J 5HE

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Lot

№ 1145

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26 June 2014

Hammer Price:
£550

A post-war M.B.E. group of seven awarded to Lieutenant-Colonel B. J. Palmer, East Anglian Regiment, late Essex Regiment

The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, M.B.E. (Military) Member’s 2nd type breast badge; 1939-45 Star; Italy Star; Defence and War Medals 1939-45; Africa General Service 1902-56, 1 clasp, Kenya (Maj. B. J.-Palmer); U.N. Korea 1950-54, generally very fine or better (7) £300-350

M.B.E. London Gazette 11 June 1960. The original recommendation states:

‘During the period of amalgamation of the Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire, and the Essex Regiment, he was Depot Commander of the Essex Regiment and then took overall command of the depot of the new regiment.

Both the Regular Battalions of the two regiments were abroad and the task of organising the amalgamation fell onto the shoulders of Major Palmer.

The very smooth and efficient way in which the amalgamation has been carried out is largely due to his work.

He has been unsparing in his efforts to ensure that the parties concerned in regimental affairs, both military and civilian, should accept the changes involved so that the new regiment would start with the full backing of all concerned with both old regiments.

His impartiality, tact and sheer hard work have ensured that the affairs of the 3rd East Anglian Regiment are on a very sound footing and include all the best traditions and links of the old regiments.

He has carried out this task in addition to his normal duties as a Depot Commander and has made an outstanding contribution to the re-organisation of the army.

This recommendation has the fullest support of the Colonel of the 3rd East Anglian Regiment.’

Benjamin James Palmer, who was born in March 1919, was commissioned in the Essex Regiment as a 2nd Lieutenant in January 1939. Having then served as Adjutant from November 1941 to December 1942, he witnessed active service in Italy, latterly in the acting rank of Major. Duly appointed a substantive Major in September 1951, he was awarded the M.B.E. for the above cited deeds at the time of the amalgamation of the Bedfordshire & Hertfordshire, and Essex Regiments in 1958-59. Palmer was placed on the Retired List as a Lieutenant-Colonel in March 1969.