CONSPICUOUS BRAVERY

Otago Daily Times, Issue 25803, 26 March 1945, Page 4

CONSPICUOUS BRAVERY

BRITISH PILOT RECEIVES V.C, RUGBY, Mar. 23.

The Victoria Cross has been awarded to Squadron Leader R. A. M. Palmer, D.F.C., R.A.F.V.R., who is reported missing after completing 110 bombing missions. On his last mission against marshalling yards in Cologne, in December, 1944, in. spite of the fact that two engines of his aircraft were on fire and there were flames and smoke in the nose and bomb-bay, he ignored the risk of fire and explosion in determination as leader of the mission to provide accuracy and an easily-seen target for the following aircraft. Disdaining the possibility of taking avoiding action against fighters, he kept on his course, making-a perfect approach so that his bombs hit the target squarely. His aircraft was last seen spiralling to earth in flames.

The official citation states that Palmer was an outstanding pilot, and displayed conspicuous bravery. He took part in the first 1000-bomber raid on Cologne in 1942, and was one of the first pilots ,to drop a 40001 b bomb on Germany, and he was always selected to take part in special operations against vital targets. The finest example of his courage and determination was on December 23, 1944, .when he led a Lancaster formation to attack marshalling yards at Cologne in daylight. It was his last flight. Such was the strength of the opposition on this occasion that more than half his formation failed to return.