PALMER Tristram Coplestone

What we know about PALMER Tristram Coplestone

Tristram Copplestone Palmer was born 28 June 1887 and baptised in East Budleigh on 5 August 1887, the son of builder John Copplestone Palmer and Mary Elizabeth (Kench). He appears with his parents both in the 1891 and 1901 census records living at Post Office House in East Budleigh. In 1906 he appears on the passenger list of the 'Oruba' saling to Port Lyttelton, New Zealand via Sydney & Brisbane, Australia - 19 years, Farmer.

An extract in The Exmouth Journal dated Saturday 7 September 1918 reads: “Mr John C Palmer of High Street Budleigh Salterton has received news of the death of his youngest son Tristram Copplestone Palmer Corporal New Zealand Field Artillery in France. The chaplain of the deceased’s unit wrote that he was wounded severely on 30 August and died the same day in hospital. Deceased went to New Zealand 12 years ago and joined Expeditionary Force in 1914.

"He landed with Anzacs at Gallipoli fought through the campaign then was sent to France early 1916. He was home on leave last April. He had fine physique and a bright and cheery disposition; was a general favourite and associated with all kinds of athletics. He was educated at Kings School Ottery St Mary. His only brother Captain John William Palmer is in Italy. Much sympathy is extended to John C Palmer and family in their bereavement.”

Records in New Zealand show that he was a member of the 5th Field Artillery, joining up in 1914, and that his address in that country was in Waiau. He and his comrades embarked from Wellington on 13 June, 1915 headed for Suez in Egypt. His father John died on 10 April 1922. The Budleigh War Memorial was unveiled on 11 November 1922 and the parade was led by his son, Tristram’s brother, John William Palmer.

Tristram is remembered on the Budleigh War Memorial and the brass plaque in St Peter’s Church, and at the Bagneux British Cemetery on the Somme. He is also remembered in East Budleigh, on the church war memorial.  Tristram is also remembered on the New Zealand Roll of Honour.

Tristram Palmer, Gunner, New Zealand Artillery, is listed under Army (Active Service) in the Budleigh Salterton Roll of Honour.

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