William (Bill) Thomas Palmer

[Doc Vernon]

William (Bill) Thomas Palmer - R193967 27 September 1927 – 31 May 2019

Born in Southampton on 27th September 1920, William (Bill) Thomas Palmer, “Bill”, was the elder son of William James Palmer who spent his life at sea as a chef on troop ships from an early age until well past retirement his age. At the start of WW2, William's father was still at sea, so it followed that his sons would also continue in their father’s footsteps. Bill joined the Merchant Service in October 1939 and was assigned to the Royal Navy on HMS Princess for service “On His Majesty’s Service” for a short period. Bill spent the duration of the war on fourteen different ship. His favourite ship was Queen of Bermuda, a civilian liner used by the RN. Bill was Captains steward during this posting. His favourite story was when doing a ship transfer at sea, “Jack Stay Transfer”, the person being transferred was Prince Philip. Bill greeted him with a Pink Gin, he claimed that ‘he never did receive a tip’. Ted, Bill’s brother, too young to go to sea, joined Red Funnel ferries in Southampton as a Cigarette and Chocolate Seller. When old enough, he to went to sea from1941 to 1951. Bill, Ted and William were at sea throughout the war and served all over the world. Several times they met at various places to enjoy time together, Singapore and Hong Kong were favourites. Amongst his war medals, Bill was most proud of his Malta Cross, awarded for breaking the German blockade of Malta. After the war Bill continued at sea serving mainly as a steward on the Union Castle Cape boats, Warwick Castle, Carnarvon Castle, Durban Castle, Athlone Castle etc. to Durban, Cape Town etc. In 1951 departed his final ship the Dilwara, also a troop ship and went ashore. William Thomas Palmer, crossed the bar at the age of 98, will be sadly missed by his wife Sheila, son, daughter and many family and friends. Mike Cooper, June 2019

[Keith at Tregenna]

Always sad to hear of another MN man "Crossing the Bar"

Condolences to all family, friends and loved ones.

Regards,

Keith.