Albert E Palmer, Devonshire Regiment

[andy1400]

I am trying to find out about 290352 Pte Albert Palmer of the 2/7th Devonshires. Some of his training notes were found in a friends attic and we are trying to find out a little more about him with a view to possibly tracing a relative to pass the items to. He went to school in Hitchin. Any information very gratefull received. Andy

[HarryBrook]

His medal index card shows that he was entitled to the British War Medal and Victory Medal; it also shows that his second initial was 'E.'

There appear to be no surviving service records for him.

So, as he went to school in Hitchin here is a likely candidate in the 1911 census:-

New Gas Works, Hitchin, Hertfordshire.

Albert Samuel Palmer, head of household, 45 gas works foreman, born Devon, Exeter

Mary Ann Palmer wife age given as 55 born Devon, Barnstaple

Albert Edwin Palmer son 14 school born Yorkshire, Selby [he was the only surviving child of three born to A.S. and M.A. Palmer]

Emma Jane Stoneman sister age given as 55 widow housekeeper born Devon, Exeter

[the ages of M. A. Palmer and E. J. Stoneman were altered to 55 on the census return and may not be correct, but not of any relevance to Albert Edwin Palmer's census information]

[Black Sapper]

My Devon Regt notes would indicate -

2/7th (Cyclist) Battalion
Formed at Totnes in October 1914. Remained in UK throughout the war, moving to
Sevenoaks in 1916, Margate in 1917 and Southminster in 1918. By November 1918 was at
Maldon.
Under orders of 73rd Division from October 1917 to January 1918.