James Dennis Payne

Captain James Dennis Payne was a World War I flying ace credited with fourteen aerial victories.

World War I service
On 10 July 1915 Sergeant Payne was awarded flight certificate No. 1415 on Maurice Farman Biplane from the Military School in Birmingham.

He was originally assigned to 41 Squadron on 12 June 1916, but was shipped out on 16 July, joining 29 Squadron on 6 August. On 30 October 1916, Acting Sergeant Major Payne was commissioned a second lieutenant on duty with RFC.

He scored his first victory on 12 August 1917, using a Nieuport fighter to destroy a German Albatros D.V near Houthoulst Forest. His run of triumphs would run until 9 January 1918. During November 1917, two notable events would occur. On the 9th, he would wound and drive down veteran ace Walter Göttsch for victory number nine. On the 17th, he was awarded a Military Cross. Also in the autumn, in November he was appointed a Flight Commander, which bore the concomitant rank of Captain.

By the time he was done, on 9 January 1918, he had destroyed four enemy planes and driven down ten out of control; ten of his victories were over Albatros D.V fighters. All of his victories were scored while flying a Nieuport. On 10 January 1918, he was withdrawn to Home Establishment.

Post World War I
Postwar, Payne made a living for a while by barnstorming. After that, he lived in Belgium.

Honors and awards
Military Cross (MC)

2nd Lt. James Dennis Payne, Gen. List, and R.F.C. For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. While on patrol with two other scouts he attacked a formation of seven enemy two-seaters, bringing down two himself while the two scouts brought down two more. Besides these, he has accounted for five other machines, and at all times shown the greatest gallantry.