Frederick William Palmer facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Frederick William Palmer
Born	11 November 1891 Hammersmith, London
Died	10 September 1955 (aged 63) Lymington Hospital, Hampshire
Allegiance	United Kingdom
Service/branch	British Army  Royal Air Force
Rank	Wing Commander
Unit	The Royal Fusiliers Royal Flying Corps
Battles/wars	World War I World War II
Awards	Victoria Cross Military Medal

Frederick William Palmer (born November 11, 1891 – died September 10, 1955) was a brave English soldier. He received the Victoria Cross, which is the highest award for bravery in the face of the enemy. This special medal is given to soldiers from the United Kingdom and Commonwealth countries.

A Hero in World War I

Frederick William Palmer was 20 years old during the First World War. He was a Lance-Sergeant in the 22nd Battalion of The Royal Fusiliers, part of the British Army. He earned his Victoria Cross for an amazing act of courage.

Bravery in France

On February 16-17, 1917, near a place called Courcelette in France, Lance-Sergeant Palmer's company faced a tough battle. All of his officers were injured, so he took charge. He bravely cut his way through enemy wire, even while under heavy fire.

He managed to take out an enemy machine-gun. Then, he set up a defensive "block" to stop the enemy. He gathered other soldiers and held this position for almost three hours. They fought off seven strong enemy attacks.

Holding the Line

At one point, while Palmer was getting more bombs, the enemy launched an eighth attack. This attack was very dangerous and threatened to break through their entire battle line. Even though he was extremely tired, Palmer quickly rallied his men. He led them to push back the enemy and keep their position safe. His actions saved the day for his unit.

After the War

After his incredible bravery, Frederick Palmer was promoted to Second Lieutenant. When his battalion was later disbanded, he joined the Royal Flying Corps as an observer.

After World War I ended, he moved to Malaya (now part of Malaysia). There, he started his own business.

World War II Service

When the Second World War began, Palmer returned to England in 1940. He arrived just in time for the Battle of Britain, a major air battle. He rejoined the Royal Air Force and rose to the rank of Wing Commander. At the end of the war, his bravery was again recognized when he was "mentioned in dispatches." After the war, he went back to Malaya.

Frederick William Palmer retired to the south of England in 1950. He passed away on September 10, 1955, at the age of 63.