Newspaper cuttings about unveiling of Robert Palmer's portrait in Gravesend town hall

Newspaper cuttings about unveiling of Robert Palmer's portrait in Gravesend town hall

Top - V.C.'s contempt for the enemy, portrait of Kent hero unveiled. Article about unveiling and provides some of Palmer's service background and mentions funding of portrait and that there was some money left over. Includes photograph of unveiling with mayor and Air Marshall Ellwood. Bottom - Gravesend V.C.'s portrait, Air Marshall Ellwood unveiled it. Short account.

Two newspaper cuttings on an album page

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V.C.’s contempt for the enemy

Portrait of Kent hero unveiled

[photograph]
AIR MARSHAL A.B. ELLWOOD with the Mayor of Gravesend (Councillor E.E. Osborne) and the rector of Gravesend (the Rev. R.D. Daunton Fear) after the unveiling ceremony.

SORROW at the loss of a young citizen and pride in his heroic achievements were mingled when at Gravesend Town Hall, on Monday, the portrait in oils of the town’s V.C. of the last war, the late Sqdn.-Ldr. Robert Palmer, was unveiled.

Alongside the portrait, painted by Mr. Arnold Mason, A.R.A., was a copy on vellum of the official citation issued when the decoration was awarded posthumously.

Performing the unveiling ceremony, Air Marshal A.B. Ellwood, C.B., D.S.C. (Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Bomber Command) outlined the highlights of Robert Palmer’s war-time career, in which he carried out 110 sorties, mostly far into heavily defended enemy territory.

IN FIRST 1,000 BOMBER RAID

He was one of the first pilots to have dropped a 4,000 lb. bomb, and took part in the first 1,000 bomber raid, he said.

“He earned his reputation as reliable in the face of enemy attack, for which he seemed to have a deep contempt, he continued, “and he was always selected to take part in special operations against vital targets.”

Welcoming the Air Marshal, the Mayor of Gravesend (Councillor E.E. Osborne) said that after the cost of the portrait had been defrayed from the Palmer V.C. Fund, raised not only by the townspeople but by members of the R.A.F. and branches of the N.A.L.G.O. all over the country, there would be a substantial balance.

It was not known to what purpose the money would be used, but it would perpetuate the memory of the gallant officer and remind future citizens of the town of his outstanding example.

After the Air Marshal unveiled the portrait, it was dedicated by the Rector of Gravesend (the Rev. R.D. Daunton Fear). The Rector of Milton (the Rev. H.J. Powell) read from the scriptures and the hymn “Abide with me,” was sung.

Sqdn.-Ldr. Palmer’s parents, brother and other members of his family were present at the ceremony which was attended by many townspeople and representatives of pre-Service and ex-Service organisations.

[page break]

GRAVESEND V.C.’S PORTRAIT

Air-Marshall Ellwood to unveil it

The portrait of Gravesend’s V.C. of the last war, the late Acting Sqdn.-Ldr. Robert Palmer, is to be unveiled in the Town Hall, Gravesend, on November 1st by Air Marshal A.B. Ellwood, C.B., D.S.O.

Air Marshal Lord Tedder, who was invited to perform the ceremony, was unable to accept.

The Mayor and Mayoress will entertain with principal guests to dinner at Woodlands Hotel before the ceremony.