PAYNE A W
PAYNE, Albert William
Regiment: 7 Coast Regiment Royal Artillery
Rank: Gunner
Died: 5 March 1943
Aged: 26
Buried/ Memorial: Singapore Memorial
Address: 2 Law Street, Hoole
Cheshire Observer 14 March 1942
CHESTER SOLDIER BROTHERS
ONE MISSING: THE OTHER A WAR PRISONER
“Mr and Mrs A Payne of 2 Law Street, Hoole, have received notification from the authorities that one of their sons is a prisoner of war in Italy, and another is reported missing in Malaya.
Gnr Albert Wm Payne RA, who is reported missing, was educated at George Street School and the College School, and for some time he was employed by John Mayers, Son and Co, Ltd, builders, Canal Side Chester, and he joined the Regular Army six years ago. He has served overseas for four years. He was 24 years of age.
His brother, Dvr Chas Payne, RASC, aged 22 is prisoner of war in Italy. Educated at George Street School prior to the war, he was employed by Edward Dean and Sons (Millers) Ltd, Upton Mills and joined the Army in November 1939.”
Cheshire Observer 01 January 1944 informs that Charles Payne was transferred from Italy to another prison camp in Germany. It was thought that Albert was still a prisoner of the Japanese.
Cheshire Observer 8 December 1945
GNR A W PAYNE BELIEVED TO HAVE BEEN LOST AT SEA
“Mr and Mrs Payne, of 2 Law Street, Hoole, have been notified by the War Office that a number of prisoners of war, including their son, Gunner A W Payne, Royal Artillery, left Malaya on 18th October 1942 for an unknown destination (understood to be New Guinea) and are believed to have been lost at sea. The letter states that unfortunately no news has been received of Gunner Payne’s recovery from any known prisoner of war camp in the Far East, but enquiries are being pursued.
Gunner Payne was reported missing after the fall of Singapore. He joined the Services in 1935, and has been abroad for about eight years. He is 28 years of age and was educated at George Street and the College Schools. Before joining the Army he was employed by Messrs Mayers and Sons, builders.
His brother Driver Charles Payne, who was a prisoner of war in Italy, returned home in June last year.”