Robert Anthony Maurice Palmer
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Robert Anthony Maurice Palmer VC, DFC & Bar (7 July 1920-23 December 1944) was an English recipient of the Victoria Cross, the highest and most prestigious award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces.
As a boy Palmer attended Gravesend Grammar School in Kent, and there is a memorial portrait and embroidery hanging in the school's hall.
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He was 24 years old, and a Squadron Leader in the 109 Squadron, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve during the Second World War when the following deed took place for which he was awarded the VC.
On 23 December 1944 over Cologne, Germany, Squadron Leader Palmer was leading a formation of Lancaster bombers to attack the marshalling yards in daylight and it was his task to mark the target. Some minutes before reaching it he came under heavy anti-aircraft fire and two engines were set on fire, but disdaining the possibility of taking evading action and being determined to provide an accurate and easily seen aiming point for the other bombers, he managed to keep the badly damaged aircraft on a straight course, made a perfect approach and released his bombs. The Lancaster was last seen spiraling to earth in flames.
[edit] References
- British VCs of World War 2 (John Laffin, 1997)
- Monuments to Courage (David Harvey, 1999)
- The Register of the Victoria Cross (This England, 1997)
