Robert Anthony Maurice Palmer
Squadron Leader, 109 Squadron. Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve
- Register No.
- 958 (Alf's numbering, from The Register of the Victoria Cross, 1997)
- Rank
- Squadron Leader all Squadron Leaders →
- Unit
- 109 Squadron. Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve (register: No. 109 Squadron RAF) all No. 109 Squadron RAF VCs →
- Date of action
- 23 December 1944 on this day → all of 1944 →
- Conflict / campaign
- Second World War
- London Gazette
- 23rd March 1945 on this day → all of 1945 →
- Born
- 7th July 1920 at Gillingham, Kent
- Died
- in burning aircraft on 23rd December, 1944 over Cologne,
- Award
- Posthumous all posthumous VCs →
- Memorial / grave
- in Commonwealth War Graves Commission Cemetery, Rheinberg, Germany
Digest of citation
On 23rd December 1944, Squadron Leader Palmer was leading a Lancaster formation on a daylight raid over Cologne, Germany, to attack the marshalling yards. It was his task to mark the target. He came under extremely heavy anti-aircraft fire minutes before reaching the target, causing two engines to be set on fire. Enemy fighters attacked in force, but it did not deter Squadron Leader Palmer from diverging from his course, knowing that if he did so, he would be unable to utilise the special equipment to the best advantage. He was determined to provide an aiming point that could be easily seen by the following bombers. Ignoring the risk of fire and explosion in the aircraft, and it taking an immense effort to keep the aircraft on a straight course, he nevertheless, madea perfect approach and the bombs found their target. His Lancaster was last seen spiralling downwards in flames. There was only one survivor: the rear-gunner
From Alf Askin's research notes
Reproduced as Alf wrote it, c. 2000–2005. Spelling and abbreviations are his own.
PALMER, Robert Anthony Maurice. (reg No. 958 )
Squadron Leader. 109 Squadron. Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve.
London Gazetted on 23rd March 1945.
Born on 7th July 1920 at Gillingham, Kent.
Killed in burning aircraft on 23rd December, 1944 over Cologne, Germany.
Memorial on grave in Commonwealth War Graves Commission Cemetery, Rheinberg, Germany.
Digest of Citation reads: On 23rd December 1944, Squadron Leader Palmer was leading a Lancaster formation on a daylight raid over Cologne, Germany, to attack the marshalling yards. It was his task to mark the target. He came under extremely heavy anti-aircraft fire minutes before reaching the target, causing two engines to be set on fire. Enemy fighters attacked in force, but it did not deter Squadron Leader Palmer from diverging from his course, knowing that if he did so, he would be unable to utilise the special equipment to the best advantage. He was determined to provide an aiming point that could be easily seen by the following bombers. Ignoring the risk of fire and explosion in the aircraft, and it taking an immense effort to keep the aircraft on a straight course, he nevertheless, madea perfect approach and the bombs found their target. His Lancaster was last seen spiralling downwards in flames. There was only one survivor: the rear-gunner.
Additional information:. Squadron Leader Palmer had completed 110 missions and was a member of the famous 'Pathfinder Force'. These operations began in January 1941 and he took part in the first 1000 bomber raid against Cologne in 1942. He was amongst the first to drop a 4000 lb bomb on Germany. He held the Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC) and Bar.
Additional information
Squadron Leader Palmer had completed 110 missions and was a member of the famous 'Pathfinder Force'. These operations began in January 1941 and he took part in the first 1000 bomber raid against Cologne in 1942. He was amongst the first to drop a 4000 lb bomb on Germany. He held the Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC) and Bar.
Germany.
Visit the grave or memorial
Alf recorded the memorial as: in Commonwealth War Graves Commission Cemetery, Rheinberg, Germany
Map links open a search for the place name Alf recorded; please check opening times and exact locations before travelling. Many VC graves have since been restored by the Victoria Cross Trust.
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