Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A fine and rare 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 enamel, with integral top riband bar; South Africa 1877-79, 1 clasp, 1877-8 (Lieut. G. C. Palmes. 1-24th Foot.); Queen’s South Africa 1899-1902, 3 clasps, Cape Colony, Orange Free State, Johannesburg (Major G. C. Palmes, D.S.O., S.W: Bord.); King’s South Africa 1901-02, 2 clasps, South Africa 1901, South Africa 1902 (Maj. G. C. Palmes. D.S.O. S. Wales Brd.) mounted court-style for display, minor chipping to both wreaths on the first, light contact marks to the campaign medals, otherwise very fine and better (4) £8,000-£10,000

George Champney Palmes was born on 9 February 1857, third son of the Venerable James Palmes, D.D. 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. Here, 'G' Company, along with “D” Company bore a conspicuous part at the battle of Quintana, being the only two Imperial Companies present. During the Zulu War of 1879, Palmes was at Helpmekaar at the time of Isandhlwana, his company having been ordered to take over from “B” Company 1-24th at Rorke’s Drift several days prior to the battle but due to some miscommunication they did not depart until 22nd January. Now joined by Captain Upcher's “D”Company, “G” Company moved to Roke’s Drift but, before reaching that place, met Major Spalding who informed them that Rorke’s Drift had been taken by the enemy. Fires could be clearly seen at the Drift and it was decided the wise option would be to return to Helpmekaar. Upon their return they were greeted by a small number of fugitives from Isandhlwana and therefore prepared for the defence of Helpmekaar against an attack they were sure would follow. The attack never happened and they were relieved within a few days. During the rest of the war Palmes and “G” Company served at various bases on the lines of communication. Although Lieutenant Palmes served with his Regiment during the Zulu War of 1879, he did not cross the border into Zululand and like many others of the 1-24th who took part in the war but did not cross the border, received the medal with the 1877-8 clasp.

Palmes was promoted to Captain on 9 June 1882, and became Major on 9 June 1892; he was Adjutant, Volunteers, 1 October 1891 to 30 September 1895. He served in the South African War 1899-1902, was Commandant of Klerksdorp, and took part in operations in Orange Free State, February-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, August to 29 November 1900. Operations in the Orange River Colony, June to August 1900. Operations in the Transvaal, 30 November 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.