Background
Born on 17 October 1928, Palmer is the son of Lieutenant-Colonel William Robert Palmer, Defence Science Organisation and his wife Joan Audrey Palmer (née Smith).
assistant director secretary army officer colonel
Born on 17 October 1928, Palmer is the son of Lieutenant-Colonel William Robert Palmer, Defence Science Organisation and his wife Joan Audrey Palmer (née Smith).
He was educated at Wellington College at Crowthorne in Berkshire. Having attended the Royal Military Academy, Sandhurst, Palmer was commissioned into the 14th/20th King"s Hussars as a second lieutenant on 22 December 1948, with seniority from that date.
He was Defence Services Secretary from 1982 to 1985. He was given the service number 400011. Promoted to lieutenant on 22 December 1950, he was Adjutant of 14th/20th King"s Hussars from 1953 to 1955, and was given the acting rank of captain on appointment.
Promoted to captain on 22 December 1954, he served as Adjutant of the Duke of Lancaster"s Own Yeomanry from 1956 to 1959.
He attended Staff College, Camberley in 1960 and, having been promoted to major on 22 December 1961, he attended the Joint Services Staff College in 1965. He was promoted to lieutenant colonel on 30 June 1969 and between 1969 and 1972 he was commanding officer of the 14th/20th King"s Hussars.
He was promoted colonel on 30 June 1973. He became Director Royal Armoured Corps on 8 December 1978 and was promoted to major-general on 19 February 1980.
He was Defence Services Secretary from 1982 to 1985, when he retired.
Palmer was appointed Honorary Colonel of his old regiment, the 14th/20th King"s Hussars on 15 February 1981.