Leonard Allan Payne joined the Royal Flying Corps in Swaziland on 1 Feb 1917 and was commissioned in June 1917. He scored eleven victories flying the Bristol Fighter on the Western Front.
T./2nd Lt. Leonard Allan Payne, Gen. List, and R.A.F.
For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. Volunteering to proceed on a special reconnaissance under adverse weather conditions, he penetrated for a distance of nine miles behind the enemy's lines, flying at an altitude of 200 feet, despite the most intense machine-gun and rifle fire. He returned later, his machine riddled with bullets, with the required information. Previous to this he had bombed and engaged with machine-gun fire bodies of hostile infantry with the most effective results. He has destroyed one hostile plane and driven down two others out of control. He has at all times displayed the greatest fearlessness and dash.
