A Second War 1944 ‘Pathfinder’s’ D.F.M. group of five awarded to Flight Sergeant G. S. Payne, Royal Air Force, who served as a Lancaster Air Gunner with No. 7 Squadron

Distinguished Flying Medal, G.VI.R. (522154. F/Sgt. G. S. Payne. R.A.F.); 1939-45 Star; Air Crew Europe Star; Defence and War Medals 1939-45, nearly extremely fine (5) £1400-1800

D.F.M. London Gazette 23 March 1945.
The Recommendation, dated 20.12.1944, states: ‘Now on his second operational tour, Flight Sergeant Payne has completed 41 operational sorties, 13 of which have been on this squadron and 4 as a member of a marker crew. He has maintained a very high standard of efficiency as a gunner and his fine handling of his guns and quiet, calm manner has won the entire confidence of his Captain and crew and has in no small measure contributed to the success with which they have operated. He has always set a high example to this squadron.’

George Stephen Payne served during the Second World War with No. 7 Squadron (Lancasters) as part of No. 8 Path Finder Force, based at R.A.F. Oakington, Cambridgeshire. During his two tours he flew in 41 operational sorties, 13 of which were with No. 7 Squadron; targets between May and December 1944 included: Valenciennes; Montdidier; Rimeux, Cleres, Villers Bocage, Beavoir; Kiel (2); Stuttgart (2); Stettin; Bremen; Danzig; Eindhoven; Le Havre (3); and the following 13 as part of Pathfinder Force: Wanne Eickel (2); Duisberg (2); Wilhelmshaven; Essen; Cologne (2); Bochum; Gelsenkirchen; Soest; and Osnabruck.