To celebrate World Defense Day, which is celebrated on 1 March each year, we look back at the life of Lieutenant Colonel Lawrence Palmer, who served for 56 years in the South African Defense Force.
World Civil Defense Day provides an opportunity to celebrate and recognize the contributions and efforts of civil defense personnel who have consistently demonstrated their commitment to saving lives and protecting property in times of crisis.
Palmer, now 80 years old and a great-grandfather, first reported for duty on 1 October 1962 at the 1SSB training base in Tempe, Bloemfontein, where he was assigned to the uMvoti Mounted Rifle Armored Vehicle Regiment.
He spent 51 years in the Reserves before joining the regular army, serving a five-year term before retiring on March 30, 2008. However, due to his years of experience and expertise, Palmers continued his activities. To serve as an honorary military member.
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According to Palmer, he served in a variety of capacities during his military career, including:
– Lesotho border For inventory theft prevention
– mozambique border For anti-infiltration operations
– Eastern Griqualand For area protected operation
– south coast natal For area protected operation
– southwest africa For anti-infiltration operations
Palmer served and retired as a lieutenant colonel and also served as acting colonel in the South African Armored Corps, Umvoti Mounted Rifle Armored Car Regiment, and Oribi Commando.
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Palmer said his fondest memory of his time in the Defense Force was the orderly and disciplined life he lived with his fellow comrades, who soon became long-time friends as they served their country together.
When asked how he thinks military life has changed now compared to when he first joined the force, Palmer replied: “Discipline is no longer the same as it was before. And for many of us who joined the military back then, our purpose was to serve our country, but now it has become just another profession.” said Palmer.
Now retired, Mr. Palmer now works for a security company or spends his days at home in Westville with his wife of 50 years. The couple has four children, eight grandchildren and one great-grandchild.
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