Eric was originally intended to work at the office of Morgan and George, Solicitors of Wellingborough when he received his call up to the 3rd Battalion Northamptonshire Regiment.

He was posted to the 2nd Battalion Northamptonshire Regiment and saw action in France.

Eric was killed in action on the 4th March 1917 and is buried in Fins New British Cemetery.
From the 1st March the Battalion had moved to Asquith Flats. On the 4th they attacked the enemy on the Moislains Ridge. thjey had met their objectives and came under repeated counter attacks. During this day 7 officers and 235 other ranks were listed as casualties of this action.

The Northampton Mercury for Friday 16th March reported the sad news of the death of Lieut. Palmer with much regret in Wellingborough where is was very well known and popular. His father was the Vice-Chairman of the Wellingborough Board of Guardians and prominently associated with the Wesleyan Church.

The Commonwealth War Graves Commission adds the following memorial;
In memory of Lieutenant E G Palmer, 3rd Battalion. attd. 2nd Battalion, Northamptonshire Regiment who died on 4 March 1917 Age 21. Son of Reginald and M A Palmer, of The Haven, Bourne, Lincs. Remembered with honour, Fins New British Cemetery, Sorel-Le-Grand