Captain James Dennis Payne MC was a World War I flying ace credited with fourteen aerial victories.[1][2]
James Dennis Payne | |
---|---|
Born | 22 July 1896 Leamington, Warwickshire, England |
Allegiance | England |
Service/ | Aviation |
Rank | Captain |
Unit | No. 41 Squadron RFC, No. 29 Squadron RFC |
Awards | Military Cross |
Payne was born in Leamington Spa on 22 July 1896, the son of Edward Dennis and Annie Payne, his father was a policeman. In 1911 he was described as an auctioneers clerk aged 14.[3]
On 10 July 1915 Sergeant Payne was awarded flight certificate No. 1415 on Maurice Farman Biplane from the Military School in Birmingham.[4] He was originally assigned to No. 41 Squadron RFC on 12 June 1916, but was shipped out on 16 July, joining No. 29 Squadron RFC on 6 August.[2] On 30 October 1916, Acting Sergeant Major Payne was commissioned a second lieutenant on duty with the Royal Flying Corps.[5]
He scored his first victory on 12 August 1917, using a Nieuport fighter to destroy a German Albatros D.V near Houthoulst Forest. His string of triumphs would run until 9 January 1918. During November 1917, three notable events would occur. On the 9th, he would wound and drive down veteran ace Walter Göttsch for victory number nine.[1] On the 17th, he was awarded the Military Cross.[6] Also in November he was appointed a Flight Commander, which bore the concomitant rank of captain.[7]
By the time he was done, on 9 January 1918, he had destroyed four enemy planes and driven down ten out of control; ten of his victories were over Albatros D.V fighters. All of his victories were scored while flying a Nieuport.[1] On 10 January 1918, he was withdrawn to Home Establishment.[2]
Postwar, Payne made a living for a while by barnstorming. After that, he lived in Belgium.[7]
Military Cross (MC)
2nd Lt. James Dennis Payne, Gen. List, and R.F.C.
For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. While on patrol with two other scouts he attacked a formation of seven enemy two-seaters, bringing down two himself while the two scouts brought down two more. Besides these, he has accounted for five other machines, and at all times shown the greatest gallantry.[8][9]