'Operations Belle Vue Spur - 4th October to 20th October 1917. For devotion to duty. Private John Palmer has been a company runner for twelve months, and during that time has served, not only for long periods in stationary warfare, but also in the battles of Messines and Belle Vue Spur. His work throughout has been characterised by exceptional efficiency, and marked devotion to duty. He is always quite fearless under fire.'
Source: 'London Gazette'
Date: 17 June 1918

'Operations: On British Front, opposite Beaumont Hamel, 26th March 1918, and subsequent days. For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. At about 6.30pm on 30th March 1918, Private Palmer rendered particularly gallant service as a runner. In retaliation for a minor operation on our left, the enemy systematically bombed all the trench area. It became impossible to maintain telephone communication, and Private Palmer's services were therefore required to carry messages from Company Headquarters to the Platoons in the line. His work he carried out at great personal risk, and it was due mainly to his gallant efforts that the organisation of the Company was maintained throughout. On other occasions during these operations, this runner has rendered similar good services.'
Source: 'London Gazette'
Date: 29 August 1918

Regimental number	25303
Occupation	Labourer
Next of kin	Mother, Mrs J Palmer, Waituna West, Feilding
Rank on embarkation	Private
Unit name	New Zealand Expeditionary Force, 14th Reinforcements, New Zealand Rifle Brigade, J Company
Embarkation details	Unit embarked from Wellington on 26 July 1916
Final rank	Private
Final unit	1st Battalion, Otago Infantry Regiment
Fate	Died of disease 23 December 1918
Age at death from cemetery records	25
Place of burial	Brookwoord Military Cemetery (Plot II, Row G, Grave No 3), Surrey, England
Miscellaneous information from cemetery records	Parents: Francis and Jane Palmer, Waituna West
Medals	Meritorious Service Medal 'Operations Belle Vue Spur - 4th October to 20th October 1917. For devotion to duty. Private John Palmer has been a company runner for twelve months, and during that time has served, not only for long periods in stationary warfare, but also in the battles of Messines and Belle Vue Spur. His work throughout has been characterised by exceptional efficiency, and marked devotion to duty. He is always quite fearless under fire.' Source: 'London Gazette' Date: 17 June 1918 Military Medal 'Operations: On British Front, opposite Beaumont Hamel, 26th March 1918, and subsequent days. For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. At about 6.30pm on 30th March 1918, Private Palmer rendered particularly gallant service as a runner. In retaliation for a minor operation on our left, the enemy systematically bombed all the trench area. It became impossible to maintain telephone communication, and Private Palmer's services were therefore required to carry messages from Company Headquarters to the Platoons in the line. His work he carried out at great personal risk, and it was due mainly to his gallant efforts that the organisation of the Company was maintained throughout. On other occasions during these operations, this runner has rendered similar good services.' Source: 'London Gazette' Date: 29 August 1918
Other details	War service: Western Front Medals: Military Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, British War Medal, Victory Medal
Sources	Nominal Roll Vol. 2: Roll 34, p. 18