DENNIS PALMER – RAF – 1940

Palmer entered the School in September 1934. He gained the Oxford School Certificate with matriculation exemption in July 1938, and in the September of that year left for an apprenticeship with Messrs Saunders-Roe Ltd., aircraft manufacturers. After serving some months, he enlisted in the Royal Air Force, and at the time of his death held the rank of Sergeant, although only 19 years of age. The plane in which Palmer met his death was evidently brought down off the coast, and in a letter received from his mother she stated that the body had been recovered from the sea and sent home for burial.

Palmer, who was a member of Hesters, will be remembered for his prowess at games. Possessed of a fine physique, he was a tower of strength to his House side at football, and as a full-back served the School 1st XI well. He also represented the 1st XI at cricket, being a useful bowler, and in his last season at school won the Lloyds Bank Bat for the highest individual score in School or House games, with a score of 79.

In the Christmas play of 1937 he took the part of Prospero in “The Tempest”.

(Extract from The Sower December 1940)