Samuel J Palmer

The Battalion arrived in France in June 1916 and were part of the 120th Brigade, 40th Division. Samuel was posted missing. His death was not confirmed until October 1918. He died at the capture of Bourlon Wood, 23nd - 28th November 1917. This was part of the The Cambrai operations (Battle of Cambrai), 20th November - 30th December 1917 : A British attack, originally conceived as a very large scale raid, that employed new artillery techniques and massed tanks. Initially very successful with large gains of ground being made, but German reserves brought the advance to a halt. Ten days later, a counter-attack regained much of the ground. Ultimately a disappointing and costly outcome, but Cambrai is now seen by historians as the blueprint for the successful "Hundred Days" offensives of 1918. Lt-Col Clinton Battye DSO who was the Officer commanding the 14th Highland Light Infantry was killed in action on the same day as Samuel. He is buried in Moeuvres Communal Cemetery Extension. Samuel was previously with the Cameronians (Scottish Rifles 21409). He is also remembered on the Gartsherrie Works x 2, Maxwell Parish Church and East United Free Churches Rolls of Honour and at the Family Plot in Old Monkland Cemetery (see photos) and in the St. Augustine's Parish (book) Roll of Honour. See photos for Samuel's Medal Index Card, his Newspaper clippings x 2, his Army Register of Soldiers Effects, his name on the Cambrai Memorial x 2, his Service Medal and Award Rolls, his CWGC Grave Registration, his name on the Cambrai Memorial Panel List, his Pension Records x 2, Samuel's previous Regiment the Cameronians (Scottish Rifles) Cap Badge and the Highland Light Infantry Cap Badge.