Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A Great War 1918 ‘Somme’ M.M. group of three awarded to Corporal W. Palmer, 1st Australian Divisional Ammunition Column, Australian Imperial Force, for his gallantry in attempting to put out fire when 80 rounds of ammunition were set alight in a gun pit, 12 August 1918. Despite being blown several yards away by an exploding shell he continued to fight the fire with his shovel until another shell exploded and gravely wounded him in the face

Military Medal, G.V.R. (27471 Cpl. W. Palmer. Aust: F.A.) minor official correction to surname; British War and Victory Medals (27471 ER- Sgt W. Palmer. 1-D.A.C. A.I.F.) mounted for display, good very fine (3) £600-£800

M.M. London Gazette 13 March 1919. The original recommendation states:

‘On 12th August 1918 between Hamel and Warfusee-Abancourt this N.C.O. showed great coolness and bravery when about 80 rounds of ammunition caught fire. The gun pit in which this ammunition was stacked was situated close to the road along which a large amount of traffic was passing and Corporal Palmer immediately ordered two men off to deflect the stream of traffic. Picking up a shovel, he then rushed to the gun pit and commenced shovelling earth on to 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 had 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. This action was witnessed by an officer.’

William Palmer was born in Port Wakefield, South Australia, and enlisted in the Australian Imperial Force, at Melbourne, 6 May 1916. He served with the 2nd Field Artillery Brigade in the French theatre of war from November 1917, and transferred to the 1st Australian Divisional Ammunition Column in June 1918.

Palmer was awarded the M.M. for his gallantry on the Somme, 12 August 1918. He was badly wounded to the face and eyes during the action, and was invalided to England. Palmer returned to Australia in January 1919, and was discharged the following month. He died in February 1953.