Lives of the First World War

William Johnson was my great grandfather, he lived in Lancaster with his family, and was a labourer in the major town employer, a linoleum factory. Before that he had been a labourer in the shipyard at Barrow in Furness. His first child with Ellen his wife was Alice Florence, known as 'Florrie', my grandmother. He signed up early in the war, in August or September 1914, at the age of almost 40, with small children. He served for 6 months at home and 6 weeks in France. he was killed in action on the 10th March 1915 at the famous Neuve Chapelle battle, the first major set piece battle of the war. The Casualties Form letter D sent on the 16th April 1915 to my great grandmother just says 'killed in action'. His daughter Alice Florence enquired in 1960 and was told that he is without known grave, but his name is inscribed on the Le Touret Memorial at Richebourg l'Avoue. Further correspodence says that he is buried in an orchard by the Rue du Bois.

Created by: , Allan18097