Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

An fine immediate Burma M.C. group of seven awarded to Major S. H. Payne, 7th Rajput Regiment, late Rifle Brigade

Military Cross, G.VI.R., the reverse officially dated 1945; British War and Victory Medals (2.Lieut.); 1939-45 Star; Burma Star; Defence & War Medals, very fine or better (7) £600-800

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, Medals to The Rifle Brigade and Affiliated Regiments from the collection formed by Michael Haines.

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M.C. London Gazette 12 July 1945. The Immediate award recommendation states:

'On 22nd Feb. 45 at the Battle of Oyin Major S. H. Payne was in command of 'A' Coy the Right Forward Coy. The Coy was co-operating with Tanks of 5 Horse.

The resistance encountered was extremely stiff and the positions in bunkers and foxholes occupied by enemy were impossible to locate except at very close range. Major S. H. Payne directed and commanded his coy fearlessly, and throughout the engagement which commenced at 1250 hrs and finished after dark Major S. H. Payne was up with his forward platoon. He personally in the open directed the fire of tanks and his men onto the bunkers quite regardless of the intense rifle, L.M.G. and grenade fire of the enemy. This was the first action of the Coy and Major S. H. Payne against the Japanese. His leadership and calmness was a magnificent example to his men and contributed largely to the success of the operation. Again on the 1st March 1945 when the Coy in co-operation with a Sqn of 5 Horse was ordered to clear the bunker positions in area of Pagoda and Bridge near Pt 859, this officer showed himself to be a fearless leader and an example to all.'

Samuel Harry Payne was commissioned 2nd Lieutenant in the Rifle Brigade, 29 August, 1917, and was attached to 1-5th Bn. Somerset Light Infantry during the Great War.