Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Canadian Memorial Cross, G.V.R. (684003 A-Cpl. W. Palmer) in damaged case of issue, very fine £80-£120

William Palmer was born in Saint John, New Brunswick, Canada in January 1880. He served during the Great War with the 171st Battalion (Quebec Rifles), Canadian Infantry in the UK. Corporal Palmer was in charge of a hut of 30 men (all of Russian nationality) of his battalion whilst stationed at Whitely Camp - on the night of 7 December 1916, he was murdered with a knife by one of the men (Private Alexei Leternuk). The latter was believed to be drunk, and fell into an argument with Palmer upon his return to the hut. Corporal Palmer is buried in Witley (Milford) Cemetery, Surrey.