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Auction: 25112 - Orders, Decorations and Medals - e-Auction
Lot: 420

Seven: Major J. Payne, Norfolk Regiment later Royal Pioneer Corps, who landed at Gallipoli with the Norfolks, was commissioned in 1917 and 'mentioned' in the Middle East in 1943

1914-15 Star (2659 Pte. J. Payne. Norf. R.); British War and Victory Medals (2. Lieut. J. Payne), with M.I.D. oak leaves, the British War Medal officially renamed; 1939-45 Star; Africa Star; Italy Star; War Medal 1939-45, with oak leaf, the latter four sold with their named box of issue, good very fine (7)

M.I.D. London Gazette 24 June 1943:

'… in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in the Middle East during the period 1 May, 1942, to 22nd October, 1942'

Note there is no evidence that the recipient was mentioned during the Great War.

Joseph Payne was born at Watton, Norfolk in 1892, the son of Joseph and Harriett Payne of Saham-Toney, Norfolk. Posted to the 1/4th Battalion, Norfolk Regiment he entered the war at Gallipoli on 6 August 1915 serving their until they were evacuated to Egypt. The Battalion was to serve in Egypt and Palestine for the rest of the war however Payne did not remain with them, suffering a gunshot wound to the left thigh in Spring 1917.

Not long after that he was commissioned into the Duke of Cornwall's Light Infantry on 14 October 1917, serving in that rank for the rest of the war. He appears to have served in a number of different units after the end of the war Payne resigned his commission. Married at Armley, St. Bartholomew, Yorkshire in 1920 he seems to have settled there, as his father died at Holderness in 1939.

Payne was again commissioned Lieutenant in the Auxiliary Military Pioneer Corps on 13 January 1940 with the service number 111968. The Pioneer Magazine in October 2013, printed an article entitled A Short History of 64 Group which notes that Payne was appointed 2nd in command of the Headquarters of 64 Group, Royal Pioneers Corps on 26 August 1941.

Joining the unit on 6 October 1941 at Durban he embarked with them for the Suez after which they were posted to the Pioneer base camp at Quassassin. Payne was not with them long before leaving on 21 November 1941 being advanced Captain with the War Substantive rank of Major on 30 November. He continued to serve in the Middle East however where he was 'mentioned' the next year.

Advanced Honorary Major in July 1945 Payne settled at 20 Thetford Road, Watton, Norfolk; sold together with copied research along with an original identity tag, shoulder pips in their box of issue and two riband bars corresponding to his Great War awards.

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Sold for
£400

Starting price
£150