'For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. During the morning of 5th April 1918, while the whole of the Battalion Sector near Auchonvillers was subject to a heavy enemy barrage, Private Payne displayed great bravery in his work as a Battalion Runner. So heavy was the shelling that telephone communication could not be maintained, and it was necessary to employ runners to visit the Companies and obtain reports on the situation in front. Private Payne worked his way through the enemy barrage, and obtained reports from two of the Companies, in the course of which he had to cross about 1,000 yards of heavily shelled country. His courage and devotion to duty were an inspiration to all ranks.'
Source: London Gazette
Date: 29 August 1918