Michael Payne

[Jochen Prien]

Dear Chris,

this is really sad news. I have known Michael for more than 30 years and we had become friends during this time. This is not the place to elaborate on this but I will always remember the times I visited him or - if only once - he came here to see me, the uncounted times we were talking propellors on the phone and many things more. He was one of the characters I met through my occupation with the Bf 109 who was always willing to discuss any other matter and aspect of life - which is something I really relished. It was a tragedy when his wife Jeannie died so suddenly and life so visibly lost its meaning for him.

So please pass on my deeply felt condolences to his family, especially to his wonderful daughter Rebecca.

Jochen Prien