PAYNE Albert

Albert Payne was born in Stourport in 1888. He was well known in Stourport and for many years assisted Stourport Swifts F.C. One of the “never-say-die” sort, playing with speed and dash, even against the odds. Captain of the Stourport team in their palmy days, receiving both the Worcester Charity Cup and the Bromsgrove Charity Cup in one season. Sgt G. Crump sent his mother Mrs Payne a letter: Killed in action on March 12th at about 4.20 pm whilst gallantly leading his platoon in a charge against the enemy trenches. Shot in the abdomen when close to the enemy. He leaves a widow and child.

Source for additional information: Kidderminster Shuttle 3rd April 1915, reported with photo.

On 12th March the 3rd Worcesters attacked the Spanbroek Mill on Messines Ridge. The advance was postponed until the afternoon because of mist. Against fierce fire, part of the front line was captured and held until after dusk, when the survivors were ordered to withdraw. 45 officers and men were killed, 99 wounded and 32 missing.

An obituary for Albert Payne appears in the Stourport Parish Magazine for February 1917.

Albert Payne has no known grave, the photograph available shows his name on the Ypres Menin Gate Memorial.