Charles Edward Payne (Ted) – Légion d’Honneur

4 January 1925 – 29 November 2020

On the morning of 7th June 1944, a day after D-Day, a 19-year-old British soldier named Charles Edward Payne—known to his loved ones as Ted—landed on Gold Beach, Normandy. Like thousands of young men, he had no idea what lay ahead, only that he had a duty to perform. When his sea transport was struck and began to sink, he believed he was moments from death. Yet, by sheer luck and quick action, he was pulled to safety and taken ashore by an American tank unit. Many of his comrades were not as fortunate.

Ted served with the Oxford and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry, landing with the 218 P.T. Company and later part of No.10 Beach Company. His unit was instrumental in the logistics and operations that followed the initial landings. Ted’s role extended beyond the beaches—he was among those who helped liberate Bergen-Belsen, a moment he later described as one of the most harrowing experiences of his life.

Years later, in his 70s, Ted returned to Normandy with his family. When he stood once more on the sands of Gold Beach, the memories flooded back. As he quietly broke away to walk alone toward the surf, his family watched in silence, deeply moved. None could fully grasp the weight of memory he carried, but all felt the immense sacrifice.

For his service, Ted was awarded several medals, including the Defence Medal, the France and Germany Star, the 1939–1945 Victory Medal, and the Normandy Star. In recognition of his bravery and the liberation of France, he also received the highest French honour, awarded collectively to the surviving Normandy veterans.

After the war, Ted returned to civilian life and worked with British Rail and the Bristol Omnibus Company. But he never forgot his time in service—nor did those around him forget the quiet courage with which he lived.

Remembering Our Heroes

Charles Edward Payne’s story is one of countless personal accounts woven into the larger tapestry of D-Day and World War II. Every veteran carries a unique history of fear, loss, endurance, and courage.

We honour them not just with medals, but with memory.

Thank you, Ted. Thank you to all the Normandy veterans. Your service gave us our freedom. We will never forget.