World War II Digger Dick Payten dies aged 99, tributes flow
One of the state’s oldest WWII Diggers is being remembered as a true patriot who served his country with tenacity and pride.
The Express
Don't miss out on the headlines from The Express. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Dick Payten OAM, one of the oldest World War II Diggers in NSW, has died aged 99.
The well-known Chester Hill resident was heavily involved with local and state war memorial services and for years served as president of the 7th Division association and was a regular speaker at school functions.
Mr Payten died on Sunday at the Advantaged Care home in Georges Manor after falling ill for the past few weeks, with his good mate and Blaxland federal Labor MP Jason Clare calling him a true patriot.
Bert Collins, 103, is the oldest living WWII veteran in Bankstown.
Mr Payten, who served as a bombardier in the 2nd/6th Field Regiment during WWII, is survived by his four children — Jenny Krahnen, Lyn Brown, Sue Swinfield and Rod Payten — nine grandchildren and 26 grandchildren. His wife Mary died a few years ago of cancer.
David Clifford Payten was born in Dubbo on March 30, 1920 and enlisted on May 8, 1941 in Paddington.
Mr Payten served eight months in the Middle East, 17 months in New Guinea where he and the troops fought off the Japanese invasion, and six months in Dutch Borneo. He was discharged from the army on November 28, 1945.
“I have been taking part in the (Anzac Day) parade since it began and have not missed a single one though I didn’t expect to be here so long,” Mr Payten said last year.
“I have a lot of pride in the march, though it is very sad when you remember the special mates you had and have now gone. Those days it used to bring a tear to me.
“People at the march give you a grand reception and I appreciate them, it is a real pleasure for us to take part in the march, because of this.”
Mr Payten said the months spent in New Guinea war took a terrible toll on them.
“The 17 months in New Guinea was the worst, we were in action most of those months ... the loss of good mates happened too often — either enemy action or one of the many infectious diseases,” he said.
Mr Clare paid tribute to Mr Payten in federal parliament on Monday, saying the WWII veteran had served his country in the Middle East during the war and then later at New Guinea.
“A couple of years ago, I was asked to represent the Australian Government and Scott Morrison then representing the Opposition, at a memorial in PNG to mark the 70th anniversary of the Battle of Kokoda,” Mr Clare said.
“During that special VIP flight, we had a stowaway on jet, an old fella named Dick Payten.
“He had originally intended to be a part of the trip brought along with a group of veterans by the Department of Veteran Affairs but had failed the medical.
“I knew how desperate Dick was, so we put him secretly on board.
“Dick had lost his good mate (Arnold Darling) at Port Moresby when a US plane crashed into a fuel depot and killed many people.”
Mr Payten cried at the tombstone of Arnold Darling at the Bomana War Cemetery, the first time he had visited the site in 70 years.
“In recent years, Dick has been the face of Anzac for the local papers (including Canterbury Bankstown Express),” Mr Clare said.
“Dick was very, very ill on Saturday but he told me he still had a long way to go and still spoke about Legacy.
“I love you very much and I will miss you very much.
“But I know you are on your way to meet your mates like Arnold Darling and your lovely wife.”
There is a plaque honouring Mr Payten at Bass High School.
Mr Payten’s funeral will be held on Saturday at Hope Point Church, Georges Hall.