Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

Son of Frank PALMER and Emma Elizabeth nee THOMPSON

Distinguished Conduct Medal

'For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. During a hostile attack a Lewis gun was knocked out of action, the crew becoming casualties, and the trench occupied by the enemy. He, though wounded at the time, managed to secure the gun and get it into action again, inflicting many losses on the enemy, who by this time were retreating. He continued to serve his gun single handed until wounded a second time.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 219
Date: 20 December 1917

PRIVATE H. T. PALMER, of Clare, who has received the D.C.M. for conspicuons gallantry and devotion to duty.
Private H. T. Palmer, son of Mr. F. and Mrs. Palmer, of Clare,  returned home on Friday last, minus an arm, and the possessor of the Distinguished Conduct Medal for bravery in the field. He was met  at the car on his arrival by tbe Mayor (Mr. G. J. Banner) and a large crowd of people, and in the evening he was given a public welcome at the Town Hall.
Private Palmer gained his distinction in battle in the region of Bullecourt. He was wounded in the hand and cut off from his mates, and be climbed with a Lewis gun out of the trench into a shell hole, and from there turned the gun on the Germans who had passed the trench, causing considerable loss in their ranks. As they were
driven back past him he continued to fire on them. Two days later he was wounded in three places, but nevertheless refused to retire. The same day his arm was blown off, and he was buried by the explosion
being only rescued in time to save his life.
The Anzac Bulletin refers to Private Palmer as follows :— ' For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. During a hostile attack a Lewis gun was knocked out of action, the crew becoming casualties,
and the trench occupied by the enemy. He, though wounded at the time, managed to secure the gun, and got it into action again, inflicting many losses on the enemy, who by this time were retreating. He continued to serve his gun until wounded a
second time.' Writing to Private Palmer for the Lieutentant-Colonel Commanding the battalion, Captain Cornish said :— ' I have
pleasure in informing you that you have been awarded the D.C.M. The following appeared in battalion orders, dated 23/6/17
— The Field Marshall commanding in chief has under authority granted by His Majesty the King awarded the following decoration :— The Distinguished Conduct Medal to Private H. T. Palmer.
Please convey the Divisional, Brigade, and Battalion Commanders' congratulations to the recipient.' Whilst taking this opportunity to congratulate you on receiving this much coveted decoration, I sincerely hope you will speedily recover from the injuries you sustained.'

Northern Argus Friday 21 December 1917 page 5