Previous Lot Next Lot

Auction: 23111 - Orders, Decorations and Medals - e-Auction
Lot: 656

(x) Four: Chief Petty Officer J. Palmer, Royal Navy, who was killed in action in the sinking of H.M.S. Genista by U-57 on 23 October 1916

1914-15 Star (75516. J. Palmer. C.P.O., R.N.); British Army and Victory Medals (75516 J. Palmer. C.P.O. R.N.); Royal Navy L.S. & G.C. (175516 Joseph Palmer, P.O. 1Cl, H.M.S. Vernon.), mounted for wear, overall contact wear, very fine (4)

Joseph Palmer was born at Barking, Essex on 2 June 1878 and enlisted with the Royal Navy at the shore establishment St. Vincent on 12 August 1893. Serving first as Boy Class II Palmer reached his majority aboard the torpedo boat H.M.S. Mohawk being appointed Ordinary Seaman on 2 June 1896.

Further advanced Able Seaman within the year Palmer continued to serve on a variety of vessels including the survey vessel Rambler, Prince George and Tamar the shore base at Hong Kong. He was promoted Petty Officer on the latter on 20 September 1902 and Petty Officer Class I on 1 October 1903.

On the outbreak of war Palmer was serving as Acting Chief Petty Officer with H.M.S. Hindustan, being confirmed in his rank on 8 March 1915. He was posted to Genista on 21 May 1916 in this rank and served aboard her for the rest of that year. Genista was escorting the S.S. Alexandrian past Cape Clear, Ireland on 23 October 1916. She was struck by a torpedo as the evening closed in at 18:20, fired from U-27. The S.S. Alexandrian, narrowly avoiding a similar fate, sent off a distress call but Genista broke in two and sank within minutes.

Two destroyers were dispatched to that location but of the four Carley floats launched only one had survived. Of her crew only 12 ratings had survived the disaster with all the officers and 73 ratings- including Palmer- killed by the attack. He is commemorated upon the Portsmouth Naval Memorial; sold together with a miniature trio of Great War dress miniatures, Queen Mary's 1914 Christmas Tin, with its message and picture and slip of issue for the recipients medals along with copied research including service papers, Commonwealth War Graves details and a picture of H.M.S. Genista.

Subject to 5% tax on Hammer Price in addition to 20% VAT on Buyer’s Premium.

Sold for
£210

Starting price
£80