Previous Lot Next Lot

Auction: 19002 - Orders, Decorations and Medals
Lot: 396

A fine 'D-Day' B.E.M. group of six awarded to Flight Sergeant C. A. Palmer, Royal Air Force

British Empire Medal, (Military) G.VI.R., 1st issue (524511. F/Sgt. Cyril A. Palmer. R.A.F.), officially engraved naming upon a pre-prepared ground; 1939-45 Star; Africa Star; France and Germany Star; Defence and War Medals 1939-45, good very fine (6)

B.E.M. London Gazette 1 January 1945:

'This airman's energy and efficiency were an inspiration to all ranks and resulted in maintaining a very high standard of aircraft serviceability during the Squadron's intensive training period and during operations on the 5th and 6th June, 1944. His untiring efforts to maintain the highest state of serviceability have proved to be a fine example to his men.'

Cyril Ashley Palmer was serving with No. 512 Squadron, Royal Air Force, at the time of his award. Formed on 18 June 1943 from the Dakota element of No. 24 Squadron, based at R.A.F Hendon, No. 512 Squadron operated on supply routes from the U.K. to Gibraltar and Algeria, supporting the North African Campaign. It also flew internal routes within the U.K. and to the Azores and India.

In February 1944 the Squadron changed role and was transferred to No. 46 Group at R.A.F. Broadwell, Oxfordshire. It became a tactical Dakota Squadron and started glider towing and parachute dropping, its first operation in the new role being a leaflet drop over northern France on 5 June 1944. Thereafter followed intensive flying in and out of France, followed by dropping parachutists at Arnhem. After losses during Operation "Market Garden", No. 512 Squadron was withdrawn in March 1945 to operate a transport service from Brussels, although it was still involved in the crossing of the Rhine; sold with copied research.


Subject to 20% VAT on Buyer’s Premium. For more information please view Terms and Conditions for Buyers.

Sold for
£220