IN Celebration of World Defence Day, which is celebrated every year on March 1, we look at the life of Lieutenant Colonel Laurance Palmer, who served on the South African National Defence Force for 56 years.
World Civil Defence Day provides an opportunity to honour and recognise the contributions and efforts of civil defence personnel who have consistently demonstrated their commitment to saving lives and protecting property during times of crisis.
Palmer, now an 80-year-old great-grandfather, first answered the call of duty on October 1, 1962, at 1SSB training base in Tempe, Bloemfontein, and was allocated to the uMvoti Mounted Rifles Armoured Cars Regiment.
He spent 51 years as a reserve member of the force before he was made a regular force member, a term he served for five years before going on retirement on March 30, 2008. But, because of his years of experience and expertise, Palmers continued to serve as an honorary member of the military.
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According to Palmer, he has been on various missions during his time as a service member, serving at the:
– Lesotho border for counter-stock-theft operations
– Mozambique border for counter-infiltration operations
– East Griqualand for area-protected operations
– South Coast Natal for area-protected operations
– South West Africa for counter-infiltration operations
Palmer served and retired as a lieutenant colonel and also served as an acting colonel under the South African Armoured Corps, uMvoti Mounted Rifles Armoured Car Regiment, and in Oribi Commando.
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According to Palmer, his fondest memory of being in the defence force is the orderly, disciplined life that he led along with the other comrades who soon became long-lasting friends who served the country alongside him.
When asked about what he thinks is different now in the army compared to when he first started, Palmer responded by saying, “The discipline is no longer the same as it was before. And for many of us who joined the army back then, our intention was to serve our country, but now it has become just another occupation,” said Palmer.
The retired Palmer now spends his days working at his security company or with his wife of 50 years at their home in Westville. The couple has four children, eight grandchildren and one great-grandchild.
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