Australia’s most highly decorated living soldier, Keith Payne VC AM, whose distinguished military career, including training at Enoggera Barracks, culminated in receiving the Victoria Cross for exceptional bravery in Vietnam, remains a dedicated advocate for veterans nationwide.
Early Life and Enoggera Training
Born in Ingham, North Queensland, during the Great Depression, Keith Payne grew up in a large family. He left school at 14 to become an apprentice cabinetmaker but found the trade unsatisfying. After a short period in the Citizen Military Forces (CMF), he joined the Australian Regular Army. His extensive service career included training at Brisbane’s Enoggera Barracks, known locally as ‘The Gap’. He was also posted to the 3rd Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment (3RAR), based at Enoggera, later in his career.
Decades of Dedicated Service
Mr Payne’s military life spanned several major conflicts and postings. He served in the Korean War with the 1st Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment (1RAR). Later, he served in Malaya during the Emergency with 3RAR. His career saw him rise through the ranks, becoming a Corporal, Sergeant, and Warrant Officer Class II. He also served as an instructor at the Officer Training Unit in Scheyville, New South Wales, and served with the 2nd Battalion, Pacific Islands Regiment in Papua New Guinea.
Heroism Under Fire: The Victoria Cross Action
Mr Payne was appointed to the Australian Army Training Team Vietnam (AATTV). While commanding the 212th Company of the 1st Mobile Strike Force Battalion in Kontum Province, his unit came under heavy attack from a large North Vietnamese force. The company was surrounded on three sides, and his soldiers began to fall back under intense mortar, rocket, and machine-gun fire.
Despite being wounded in the hands, arms, and head by shrapnel, Mr Payne moved under fire, firing his weapon and throwing grenades to keep the enemy back while rallying his troops. He covered the withdrawal and helped organise a defensive position. That night, demonstrating exceptional courage, he spent around three hours moving through the dark, enemy-occupied area, searching for missing and wounded soldiers.
He located about 40 men, organised assistance for the injured, and led the group safely through dangerous territory. Payne later stated his actions were driven by his responsibility as a company commander to look after his soldiers and admitted he experienced fear during the intense battle.
Queen Elizabeth II awarded him the Victoria Cross in Brisbane for these actions. He is the last living Australian recipient of the original Imperial Victoria Cross. His valour was also recognised with the Distinguished Service Cross, the Silver Star from the United States, and the Cross of Gallantry with Bronze Star from the Republic of Vietnam.
Life After Service: Advocacy and Support
After retiring from the Australian Army, Mr Payne served briefly as a Captain with the Sultan of Oman’s Army during the Dhofar War. Returning to Australia, he faced significant personal challenges, including struggles with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) stemming from his war experiences, which affected his family life. His wife Florence said their strong relationship helped them through difficult times. Mr Payne has acknowledged that post-traumatic stress never fully disappears but affirmed that it can be managed.
He turned this challenging experience into a lifelong commitment to supporting fellow veterans. He became deeply involved in the veteran community, particularly counselling those suffering from PTSD. His advocacy includes lobbying for better health and mental care services, pushing for recognition of First Nations service personnel, and supporting campaigns like the one for Edward Sheean VC. He remains active in his 90s, working to ensure veterans receive the support they need, stating that inaction cannot continue for another generation.
His dedication to veterans and their families has earned him further recognition, including the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) and later being made a Member of the Order of Australia (AM). The mental health ward at Greenslopes Private Hospital in Brisbane is named the Keith Payne Unit (KPU) in his honour. Living in Mackay, Queensland, with his wife Florence, Mr Payne continues to serve his community.
Published Date 07-April-2025
