Orders, Decorations and Medals

A scarce ‘Battle of Britain’ Radar Operator’s casualty group of three to Aircraftsman Second Class R. I. Payne, No. 23 Squadron, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve

1939-45 Star, lacking Battle of Britain clasp; Air Crew Europe Star; War Medal; together with named condolence slip, extremely fine (3) £150-250

The following details are extracted from Men of The Battle of Britain, supplementary volume, by Kenneth G. Wynn. This book also includes a picture of Payne.

Aircraftsman Second Class (Radar Operator) Reginal Irving Payne was born in Treeton, Yorkshire on 17 July 1909. He was employed in his home town at the Treeton Colliery, a job that was considered to be a reserved occupation. However Payne volunteered for the R.A.F. and was called up on 27 June 1940, reporting to Padgate for his initial training. He completed a course at Wittering, probably a short one on radar, and was posted to No. 23 Squadron at Middle Wallop on 23 September of that year.

Two days later he was a member of the crew of Blenheim L8369 on a night patrol. The Captain, Pilot Officer E. Orgias reported that he was returning, with one engine running badly. He reached his base area at Middle `Wallop but crashed near Broughton, Hampshire. Payne, Orgias and the Gunner, Sergeant L. Karasek, were all killed. As Orgias was preparing to land it is believed that he stalled after turning away to make a wide approach into wind, possibly due to the failure of the port engine.

Payne is buried in St Helen’s churchyard extension, Treeton. He was one of a small number of aircrew, particularly radar operators, who flew operationally in the Battle of Britain without rank or flying badge. In some units C.O.’s sent their radar operators on short gunnery courses to enable them to qualify for the rank of Sergeant, as laid down in A.M.O.416 of 27 June 1940.