The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, OBE (civilian) Officer’s 2nd type breast badge, silver-gilt unnamed as issued with original Toye box, WW2 Defence & War Medals unnamed as issued, Efficiency Decoration stamped 1946 with Territorial Bar with 2 bars, one stamped 1954 & Norway King Haakon VII Liberty Medal (Medal of Freedom) unnamed as issued. Comes original letter dated 1955 address to Major R A Palmer TD enclosing his 1st bar dated 1954.
Richard Augustus Palmer (known as Peter by his family and friends) enlisted into the Territorial Army in 1931 from Uppingham School into the 4th Battalion Northampton Regiment as a 2nd Lt. LG 14th Mar 1946 awarded his Efficiency Decoration (matches the date on medal) with Territorial bar as a Capt (T/Major) numbered 49625. LG 19th Mar 1948 awarded the King Haakon VII Liberty Medal (Freedom Medal) as issued, listed as a Lt-Col (acting) in the Royal Artillery. LG 4th June 1954 awarded a 1st Clasp to his Efficiency Decoration (matches the date on the clasp), this time as a Capt (Hon Major) 49625 in the Royal Artillery. LG 16th Oct 1962 he retires from the TA. His 1st clasp is dated 1954 so should be due a 2nd Clasp dated 1960 but we can find no London Gazette entry for this but a 2nd clasp is on his decoration. LG 2nd June 1977 made a Deputy Lt Commissions of County of Northampton Capt Hon Major TD, MA, FCA, JP. LG 13th June 1981 made an OBE for services to Magistracy in Northampton.
Peter's civilian life is just as interesting being a local Northampton lad. He played rugby for Northampton Saints and other clubs as did his dad who was captain in 1906. He went to Jesus College, Cambridge University gaining blues in hockey, cricket and rugby. In WW2 he was in the 36th Searchlight Regiment as second in command. He became a chartered accountant and a leading Freemason. He died aged 102 in 2015.
