John Spencer Payne

Bank: Parr's Bank

Place of work: Totterdown branch

Died: 9 February 1916

John Spencer Payne was born in Overton-on-Dee, Shropshire, in 1893, the son of Charles and Elizabeth Payne. He went to work for Parr's Bank.

In October 1914 Payne left his job at the bank's Totterdown branch to join the Royal Gloucestershire Hussars. In early 1916 he was transferred to the regiment's Motor Despatch section. While undertaking training Payne contracted a severe chill and died at home of a heart attack on 9 February 1916. He was 22 years old.

His obituary in the bank's staff magazine noted 'Jack Payne, as he was affectionately known amongst his friends, was a typical young Englishman. His good temper and genial disposition endeared him not only to those with whom he had to work in the bank, but also to those outside...Although he met his death through no enemy's bullet, he has none the less laid down his life for his country and his country's cause, and no more noble sacrifice can be made.'