Mexborough and Swinton Times December 21, 1918
Lance Corporal John Johnson
Durham Light Infantry
Lance Corporal John Johnson, Brampton road, West Melton, aged 20 was born at Flimby, near Maryport , Cumberland. He enlisted on February 15, 1917, in the 86th Training Reserve Batt., and attached to the Northumberland Fusiliers.
After training at Hornsea, he was removed to Chelmsford on July 9, 1917 and ultimately attached to the Durham. Light Infantry. On Sept. 11, he was home on leave, and on Oct 5th went to Banbury to complete his training.
October 27 saw him cross to France where he was first in action at Ypres. Here he was recommended for the Croix de Guerre, but had not received it. His company was then sent to Italy, where they arrived on November 11, 1917, and whilst on active service he was made Lance corporal and received the Italian Ribbon.
About June 16 he was wounded by a bomb explosion, and was for some little time in hospital, afterwards being sent to a rest camp. He was recommended for a commission and had received his papers, but not orders to come home.
He was transferred to the 12th Durham Light Infantry, and was in action on the Piave River. In an attack there on Sunday, Oct. 27th, 1918,—exactly one year from leaving England—he was instantaneously killed by a machine-gun bullet.
Before enlistment he was on the office staff of the Wath Main Colliery Co., where he was greatly respected by his fellow workers. He was also for many years a Sunday School teacher, server, and crossbearer at Christ Church, Brampton Bierlow, where he will be very much missed.—The following letters have been received from Capt. Wilson, `A-” Coy, .12th D.L.I.:
“It is with sincere regret that I -am writing to inform won of the death of Your dear son, Lcp. J. Johnson. He was killed in action during an attack on Oct. 27th, 1918. During the time he has been with this unit he has ,proved himself a capable and efficient n.c.o., and has taken a great interest in the men ‘of his section. His cheery disposition, under many adverse circumstances was a fine example of obedience to his brother n.c.o.’s.”
The second says :
“Your son was proceeding forward with his section on the 27th when we came under machine-gun fire from the right flank of the Company. We were held up for about 10 minutes and when we reached our objective the stretcher bearers reported his death to me. He was killed by machine-gun fire and death was instantaneous. Probably you will he notified as to where he was buried by the Graves Registration Office later on. Once more let me offer condolences from the officers. n.c.o.’s and men of this Company, who will always respect the memory of your son.”
From C.W.G.C.:
Lance Corporal
JOHNSON, JOHN
Service Number 45007
Died 28/10/1918
Aged 20
“A” Coy. 12th Bn.
Durham Light Infantry
Son of Thomas Henry and Elizabeth Johnson
Inscription
“TRULY AND GLADLY HE SERVED HIS CHURCH HIS HOME, HIS KING.
INTO THY HANDS OF LORD
TEZZE BRITISH CEMETERY Plot 5. Row A. Grave 16.