| VC Citation (London Gazette 20th March 1945): "This officer has completed 110 bombing missions. Most of them involved deep penetration of heavily defended territory - many were low-level "marking" operations against vital targets. All were executed with tenacity, high courage and great accuracy. He first went on operations in January, 1941. He took part in the first 1,000 bomber raid against Cologne in 1942. He was one of the first pilots to drop a 4,000 Ib. bomb on the Reich. It was known that he could be relied on to press home his attack whatever the opposition and to bomb with great accuracy. He was always selected, therefore, to take part in special operations against vital targets. The finest example of 'his courage and determination was on 23rd December, 1944, when he led a formation of Lancasters to attack the marshalling yards at Cologne in daylight. He had the task of marking the target and his formation had been ordered to bomb as soon as the bombs had gone from his, the leading aircraft. The leader's duties during the final bombing run were exacting and demanded coolness and resolution. To achieve accuracy he would have to fly at an exact height and air speed on a steady course, regardless of opposition. Some minutes before the target was reached, his aircraft came under heavy antiaircraft fire, shells burst all around, two engines were set on fire and there were flames . and smoke in the nose and in the bomb bay. Enemy fighters now attacked in force. Squadron Leader Palmer disdained the possibility of taking avoiding action. He knew that if he diverged the least bit from his course, he would be unable to utilise the special equipment to the best advantage. He was determined to complete the run and provide an accurate and easily seen aiming-point for the other bombers. He ignored the double risk of fire and explosion in his aircraft and kept on. With its engines developing unequal power, an immense effort was needed to keep the damaged aircraft on a straight course. Nevertheless, he made a perfect approach and his bombs hit the target. His aircraft was last seen spiralling to earth in flames. Such was the strength of the opposition that more than half of his formation failed to return. Squadron Leader Palmer was an outstanding pilot. He displayed conspicuous bravery. His record of prolonged and heroic endeavour is beyond praise."
Mentioned in Despatches January 1944. |
| Remarkably, this was his 111th operation. Attached from 109 Sqn. Born 7 July 1920 in Gillingham, Kent, he was the son of a Royal Flying Corps pilot. On leaving Gravesend Grammar School he was employed by the local corporation but the tales of his father's flying exploits was always bound to draw him to the RAF and so on 22 August 1939 he enlisted. After a brief spell with 75 Squadron he was flew his first tour with 149 Squadron after which he was posted to 20 OTU as an instructor, which frustrated him, although he siezed the opportunity to fly in the 1000 Bomber Raids during that time. 20OTU later came under the command of S/L Ian Bazelgette (himself posthumously awarded the VC), another frustrated pilot wishing to return to operations, who recommended Palmer be posted to 109 Squadron PFF after a period of training to covert to Mosquitoes. His first DFC was awarded on 30 Jun 1944 and the second when he completed his 100th operation. He was also promoted to Squadron Leader and opted to continue flying. |
