Street renaming for Heywood VC recipient

Wood Street which runs by the Phoenix Centre and Library

After receiving late consultation responses in connection with the location of the street to be named in honour of Pte Antony Palmer VC from the Grenadier Guards, SAAFA, and the Lancashire Veterans, Heywood Township councillors have decided to invite comments on the new site that has been suggested, the section of what was Wood Street and runs by the Phoenix Centre and Library.

Pte Antony Palmer VC Parade

Private Anthony Palmer VC.

3rd Battalion Grenadier Guards.

London Gazetted on the 24 February, 1857.

Born in 1819 in Somerford, near Brereton Green, Congleton, Cheshire, England

Died on 12th December 1892 at Crumpsall, Manchester, Lancashire.

Memorial on grave at Heywood Cemetery, Rochdale, Lancashire.

Plaque on Cemetery Chapel wall, Heywood Cemetery, Rochdale, Lancashire (1992)

During the Battle of Inkerman, Crimea, on 5th November 1854, Brevet Major Sir Charles Russell offered to dislodge a body a Russian soldiers from the Sandbag battery if anyone would volunteer to go with him. Sergeant Norman, Private Anthony Palmer and Private Bailey volunteered.

The attack succeeded. Private Anthony Palmer was present when the charge was made in defence of the Colours. Sir Charles Russell also witnessed Private Palmer make a single charge against the enemy.

He undoubtedly saved Sir Charles' life when he shot an assailant who was about to bayonet him.

VC Presented 26 June 1857 by Queen Victoria at Hyde Park, London, England