Private Walter Charles Payne
| Date of Birth | c. 1898 |
|---|---|
| Age at Death | 18 |
| Date of Death | 25 August 1016 |
| Service Number | 3873 |
| Military Service | 2nd/24th Battalion, London Regiment |
| Merton Address | 84 Devonshire Road |
| Local Memorial | Christ Church, Colliers Wood |
Additional Information
Walter was born in Southwark on 5 August 1898, the only son of Henry and Emma Payne, and baptised at St. Peter’s Church on 11 September. Walter had a younger sister, Emily, and another sibling that died in infancy. In 1901, the family was still living in Southwark, but by 1911, they had moved to 9 Rose Villas on Devonshire Road in Merton. They lived in a five room house, but took in a lodger, which, at the time of the 1911 census, was a 19 year old named Arthur Budd, who worked as a bricklayer’s labourer. Walter’s father worked first as a waiter, and later, as recorded on the 1911 census, as a fur and skin sorter. In 1911, Walter was only 12, and was still attending school.
Walter enlisted in the 24th London Regiment when he was only 17, disembarking with his unit in Havre on 26 June 1916 (the 24th London only stayed in France for a few months, leaving for Salonika in November 1916).
He was killed in action in France only 20 days after his 18th birthday, on 25 August 1915. After his death, a payment of £2 6 shillings 7 pence, and one of £5 were made to his mother Emma, who is incorrectly listed as Emily on the army paperwork.
Walter is buried in Louez Military Cemetery in Duisans, France, and his grave reads, HE DIED FOR US HE DID HIS BEST WE GAVE OUR ALL.”