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WW1
Palfreyman Audbon Eric Captain Palfreyman was the youngest son of the Rev I H Palfreyman, of Hobart, and a member of the well-known softgoods firm of Palfreyman and Palfreyman, of that city. He enlisted as a private in the AIF in August 1916 but on arrival in England he was almost immediately transferred to the Royal Flying Corps, in which service he rose rapidly from the lowest grade until he attained the rank of Flight-Captain. He gained his final promotion on the field of battle, having greatly distinguished himself both as a fighter and a scout in many engagements with the flying forces of the enemy. On one occasion he brought down two enemy aeroplanes in individual encounters in the same day; and shortly before his death, he was recommended by his CO for that coveted decoration, the Military Cross. Captain Palfreyman embodied the best attributes of the typical Australian. Quick brained,resourceful, enterprising, and full of energy, he excelled at most athletic sports, and had already made his mark as a businessman of exceptional capacity before the age of 24. Against the wish of his friends, he deliberately selected the Flying service because, although the most dangerous, it offered the widest scope for his special faculties, the most popular member of a family liked and respected by every Tasmanian citizen, Captain Palfreyman's death has cast the whole island into mourning. By his closer friends, he will be remembered for the sweet and gentle disposition which endeared him to all privileged to know him intimately. The Mercury as a matter of standard practice regularly published letters received from men overseas and also letters of condolence received by next of kin from unit commanders and fellow soldiers. The following appeared on 19 October 1918 p8.Rev I H Palfreyman, of Hobart, has received the following letter from Major Douglas Hill, Officer Commanding 27th Squadron Royal Air Force – A note was dropped on our side of the lines telling us that your son, Captain A E Palfreyman, had been killed on the 23rd of May.Your son was leading a formation which was attacked by several German machines, and your son's machine was seen to have been hit, but, of course, we all hoped for the best, and quite thought he might be a prisoner. Alas! I am afraid that there is now no doubt he has gone.From the same source we learn that his observer is a prisoner, seriously wounded. I offer you, from us all, most sincere sympathy n your loss. All of us, without exception, knew your son to be the best, bravest, and most reliable fellow in the squadron. His record here has never been, and never will be equalled, and just before he was brought down he was being awarded a decoration. Personally I am heart broken he has gone, for, besides being my best officer, he was my friend and help – just everything, and I know that for certain that no finer, truer fellow ever stepped. I am so proud to have known him and to have had him in my squadron, and I know how proud you must feel in your great sorrow to have possessed such a gallant and fine son. With all my sympathy to you and Mrs Palfreyman in your great loss.
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