PAYNE, Frank Aaron

Frank Payne was the son of Mary Jane Payne who lived at 93 High Street, Blackheath. He enlisted in the Royal Scots and was sent to the 15th Battalion. They were closely involved in the opening day of the Somme on the 1st July 1916 and in 1917 were engaged in the fierce battles of Arras during the Spring. They remained in the Arras sector near Hargicourt and in August were in the front line for a major attack. The battle of Hargicourt on the 26th August was a considerable success. The German counter-attack was broken up and many prisoners were taken. The casualties were not high but included Private Frank Payne. He was 35 years of age and is commemorated on the Thiepval and Halesowen Memorials.