Name
Douglas James Johnson
Conflict
First World War
Date of Death / Age
28/03/1918
19
Rank, Service Number & Service Details
Rifleman
305291
London Regiment (London Rifle Brigade)
1st/5th (City of London) Bn.
Awards: Service Medals/Honour Awards
British War and Victory medals
Cemetery/Memorial: Name/Reference/Country
ARRAS MEMORIAL
Bay 9.
France
Headstone Inscription
Not Researched
UK & Other Memorials
Watford Grammar School Memorial, Watford, Watford Grammar School Book of Remembrance
Pre War
Son of Walter Joseph and Florey/Florence (nee BADCOCK) JOHNSON of Chelmsford.
His parents married 3 June 1896 at St John the Baptist, Chipping Barnet, Herts. Walter died 14 January 1927 in Chelmsford aged 66, and was buried in Chelmsford Borough Cemetery; Florey died 15 April 1939 in Croydon, Surrey, aged 70.
Douglas was born 9 November 1898 in Terrington St John, Norfolk, and attended Watford Grammar School from April 1912 to July 1914.
On the 1901 Census, aged 2 he lived in Terrington St John, with his parents and four siblings. On the 1911 Census, a schoolboy aged 12, he lived in Wisbech, Cambs, with his parents and five siblings.
Recorded as born in Terrington St John and enlisted in Chelmsford.
Wartime Service
He enlisted in Chelmsford, Essex; was entitled to the Victory and British War medals, and was reported missing 28 March 1918 near Arras, presumed killed in action.
The published Watford Grammar School Book of Remembrance entry reads: “JOHNSON, DOUGLAS JAMES. School period: April, 1912, to July, 1914. Rifleman, London Rifle Brigade. Reported missing, 28th March, 1918, near Arras: presumed killed.”
Additional Information
Unfortunately, Douglas’ Service Record appears to be one that did not survive the World War Two bombing.
Acknowledgments
Sue Carter (Research) and Watford Museum (ROH on line via www.ourwatfordhistory.org.uk)
