Ellis Leslie Palmer, Gallipoli veteran - born in Orowaiti Westport.

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DescriptionEllis Leslie Palmer 638925

Ellis Palmer was born in Orowaiti Westport on the 13th January 1925 and is one of 6 children born to Anne (nee Eden) & Hartley Valentine Palmer, (a former WW1 Gallipoli veteran).

Before enlisting for Japan, Ellis was a Farmhand and did numerous jobs along this line as a flax cutter, tractor driver etc. also completing a Engineering course by doing 2 years at night school.

Ellis left for Japan in August 1946 on the Chitral and was listed as a Gunner for the Artillery 25 Battery.
He spent a total of 1 year and 29 days beyond New Zealand with 3 months being in Yamaguchi, 8 months at Ube, and 1 month at Chofu. During his 8 months stationed at Ube he was sent to Mizuba to train for guard duty in Tokyo at the Embassy.
On a question asked to Ellis about ‘What was your initial reaction to service life in Japan? He answered ‘they were prepared to meet us in a friendly way. We realize that their country had been occupied by other allied forces for several months before we arrived.’
His initial contact with civilians was through the house-girls who did their washing and other house keeping duties around the barracks. Later on they met their families and learnt more about how they lived at home. They also had Japanese male laborers to assist with any work around the camp.
Also there was the locals who were prepared to buy on ‘black-market’ any item from their canteen at very attractive prices. As Ellis was a non-smoker a very considerable amount of money was accumulated from the compulsory One Pound that he drew from his pay book and a large number of items were sent home in the way of crockery, silks, dresses, cutlery etc. Many items still being with the family today.
His memory of the food/provisions over there ‘that there were no times where they were not satisfied with it all’.
Asked what his ‘Best moment was in Japan’? He replied ‘When their 25 Bty HQ moved them from Yamaguchi to Ube’.
When asked 'what was your worst moment in Japan’? He simply answered ‘when the canteen ran out of beer’.
Ellis went on to become a Agricultural Contractor and even a serious accident could not stopping him from doing what he loved as he was over 90 years of age before he stopped regularly baling small bales of hay for the locals, only truly stopping as Lorraine and her siblings kept telling him he was too old.
He was a regular attendee at the J Force reunions, with his lifelong friends, often meeting also at each other’s homes throughout the year around New Zealand.
A highlight of his life was in 1998 when the opportunity arose to return to Japan on a Westport – Amagaze-machi, Kyushu, sister city trip. He was very warmly welcomed at the old army bases where he was earlier stationed and which are still military bases today and to recognize many of the old landmarks and areas.
Ellis had a wonderful sense of humor, loved a laugh and even taught Tango and Salsa dancing at age 75.
Ellis returned from Japan to marry his Wife Beryl where they went on to have 4 children. Lorraine being one of them and it is her that has supplied us with this information.
Thanks so much Lorraine.

Ellis passed away on 10th January 2020.
Map^[1]ContributorJudy Cardno

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Location (city or town)WestportPersonEllis Leslie PalmerEventEllis Leslie Palmer, Gallipoli veteranAnzacWorld War I

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Date CreatedBetween 16th February 2023 and 15th February 2023CommentsMurry McKendry
Rest in Peace Gunner, you really had a good life

Brian McIntyre
Judy Cardno I would like to offer you one of my ceramic poppies to place on his resting place

Brian McIntyre

Sherilyn Haycock
Lorraine I have enjoyed reading this article. I have Fond memories of staying with you and your family on our school trip ..would love to catch up again

Bev Donaldson
Lovely kind man.

Diane Baird
I think they are saying his father was a Gallipoli Veteran

Dianna McLean
I was so privileged to have spent time with Ellis when he drove the wheelchair bus transporting O'Conor Home residents on various outings. Always had a smile and a good laugh with you.

Simon John
I think you need to change your post. He was born 10 years after Gallipoli. Hes a J Force Veteran.

Marion Maxwell
He was an awesome guy and his wife is a lovely lady. Had the privilege of knowing them through my Dad, Bill Mairs and the RSA dances. Rest Easy Sir ???

Rosemary Matthews
Lest we forget. ?????

Gavin Davy
I'm sure he was a lovely guy but I don't think he could be a Gallipoli veteran if he was born in 1925.

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Ellis Leslie Palmer, Gallipoli veteran - born in Orowaiti Westport.

Editing is temporarily disabled