Orders, Decorations and Medals

A fine Boer War D.S.O. group of four awarded to Major G. C. Palmes, South Wales Borderers
Distinguished Service Order, V.R., silver-gilt and enamels; South Africa 1877-79, clasp, 1877-8 (Lieut., 1-24th Foot); Queen’s South Africa 1899-1902, 3 clasps, Cape Colony, Orange Free State, Johannesburg (Major, D.S.O., S. W. Bord.); King’s South Africa, 2 clasps (Maj., D.S.O., S. Wales Brd.); together with a contemporary group photograph, entitled ‘Officers 24th Regt, October 1887’, each officer identified, including Major Palmes, minor chipping to green enamel wreath on the first, the others with light contact marks, otherwise very fine and better (4) £1500-2000

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, A Choice Collection of Medals and other items to the 24th Foot (South Wales Borderers).

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George Champney Palmes was born on 9 February 1857, third son of the Venerable James Palmes, Delhi Durbar. He entered the Army on 10 September 1875, as 2nd Lieutenant, 24th Foot, becoming Lieutenant on 10 September 1877. He served in the South African War of 1877-79, taking part in the Kaffir campaign, operations against the Galekas and the battle of Quintana (Medal and clasp). He was promoted to Captain in June 1882 and became Major in June 1892. He served in the South African War 1899-1902, was Commandant of Klerksdorp, and took part in operations in Orange Free State, Feb-May 1900, including actions at Karee Siding, Vet River (5 and 6 May) and Zand River. Operations in the Transvaal in May and June 1900, including the action near Johannesburg, and West of Pretoria, Aug to 29 Nov 1900. Operations in the Orange River Colony, June to August 1900. Operations in the Transvaal, 30 Nov 1900 to May 1902.

He was mentioned in despatches London Gazette 10 September 1901, and created a companion of the Distinguished Service Order London Gazette 27 September 1901, ‘in recognition of services during the operations in South Africa.’ The insignia were sent to Lord Kitchener in South Africa and were presented by Brigadier-General Barber at Klerksdorp on 16 March 1902. Major Palmes retired on 23 July 1902 and died on 22 October 1946.