Private George Charles Payne, King's Shropshire Light Infantry

   

1903 Oct/Dec . Born Westbury on Severn, Gloucs.

1911 Census at Upper End, Longhope, Gloucs

1920 May 4. Enlisted for 12 years (9/3) in Hereford; he was a "general labourer", born in Long Hope, Gloucs, and his next of kin (father) was Mr. G. Payne of Chesgrove, Long Hope.

1921 Jan 13. Died age 18 at Birr, Ireland. Death certificate states died of gunshots wounds. Died at Hunston  House, King’s County. The regimental record shows that he was "Discharged dead" from a gunshot wound inflicted at Hunston House, Belmont. The regimental records also note that a detachment of 2 KSLI was sent to Hunston House to prevent its being burned down. Hunston House may have been the home of Colonel Head, RA and hence a target. "This detachment suffered a typical Irish ambush. They [i.e. 2 KSLI] had a patrol out on bicycles, about half a dozen strong; as they cycled past a stone wall the ambushers popped up from behind it. The patrol had no alternative but to surrender their rifles. Not a popular incident!"

No date is given to this incident and no mention of any casualties but since the account refs. to Hunston House, this may be the incident in which Payne was shot.

CWGC. Son of George and Helen Payne, of Chessgrove, Longhope. Buried Longhope Churchyard

 

Soldiers died in Ireland