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PTE: PALMER, DAVID J.

David John Palmer, born 2 quarter of 1898, registered in Swansea, Glamorgan.1

 
Parents: Lewis, (Head), a Coal Hewer, age 34, and Elizabeth A. Palmer, age 30. Son: David J. Palmer, age 2. Brother in Law: William D. Walters, a Coal Hewer, age 31. Lewis and David were both born in Cockett, Swansea, Glamorgn. Elizabeth and William were both born in Mumbles, Glamorgan. All of them spoke both Welsh and English. They lived at Cae Badell, Mile End, Parish of Cockett, Swansea.2

 

Parents: Lewis, (Head), a Coal Miner Hewer, age 40 and Elizabeth Ann Palmer, age40, Married: 18 year, 5 children born alive and 5 still living. Daughter: Megan Eiluned, age 2 months. Sons: David John, at School, age 12, Wilfred Lewis, at School, age 8, Richard Hugh, at School,  age 6 and Arthur Sidney, at School, age 4. Llangyfelach Parish is the Birthplace of all the family except Elizabeth, which is the Gower Parish. They all lived at Welford House, Gendros, Fforestfach, Nr. Swansea.3


David Palmer, Born Swansea, Died: Killed in Action, 1st July 1916, at France and Flanders. Enlisted at Swansea, with Devonshire Regiment, 2nd Battalion, Service Number 3/8265.4


Died, age 18. Parents, Lewis and Elizabeth Ann Palmer, Brothers, Wilfred Lewis, Richard Hugh, Arthur Sidney and Sister, Mefan E., of Welford House, Gendros, Fforestfach, Swansea. Memorial: Panel Reference, Pier and 1C. Thiepval, Somme, France.5

“FFORESTFACH.

A public reception to two local soldiers— Sergt. Major Evan Wolsey, 2nd Welsh Regiment (son-in-law of Mr. and Mrs. Hudson, (The Cross) and Pte. David John Palmer (son of Mr. and Mrs. Palmer, Gendros)—was held at London House, when the Rev. J. W. Jones, Vicar of Cockett, presided. On be- half of the committee and local inhabitants, Mrs. Williams, Picton-place, handed both men Bibles, suitably inscribed.  The recipients, who received a rousing reception, fittingly responded. The speakers were the chairman, Revs. D. L. Daniel, W. Rawson Williams, and J. J. Lewis, and Messrs. Ben Jones. T. Andrews, P.S. Taylor, Thos. Williams, and Councillor T. Hopkins. Solos were rendered by Misses Sybil Llewellyn, Annie Rowlands, and Edith Thomas, and Mr. John Nicholas, and recitations were given by Misses May Nicholas and Hilda James. Great credit is due to the Rev. D. L Daniel. P.S. Taylor, and Mesers. Ben iones and T. Andrews for the success of the function.”6

“FFORESTFACHMAN MAN MISSING.

 Private David J. Palmer, of the Devons, has figured in all the big engagements from the first Battle of Ypres to Contalmaison. His parents near Fforestfach have received a letter informing them that he is missing from his regiment, and that the last seen of him was when he was going over the parapet in a charge. Although only 17 years of age, he was well over six feet in height.  Lieut.  Rd.  Player, of Swansea, who is attached to the R. F. A.  has been thrown off his horse and badly bruised, but his injury is not serious.”6a  

David John Palmer7

“A FFORESTFACH PRIVATE.

  Mr. and Mrs. Palmer have received an official communication to the effect that, their son, Pte. David John Palmer, had fallen in action. He had previously been reported missing.”8  

Medals: Victory, British & Star.9

SOURCE
1 England & Wales, FreeBMD Birth Index, 1837-1915
2 1901 Census Wales
3 1911 Census Wales
4 UK, Soldiers Died in the Great War, 1914-1919
5 Commonwealth War Graves Commission
6 Cambrian Daily Leader 06.01.1916
6a South Wales Weekly Post 22.07.1916
7 South Wales Weekly Post 14.10.1916
8 Cambrian Daily Leader 18.10.1916
9 British Army WWI Medal Rolls Index Cards1914-1920