Ref ID: 1881
Name
Imperial War Graves Commission: Comprehensive Report of Headstone Inscriptions and Text - Chester Farm Cemetery, Zillebeke
Description
Copy of the Imperial War Graves Commission's comprehensive report of headstone inscriptions and headstone text for Chester Farm Cemetery, Zillebeke. Private W. Johnston is listed - Plot 2, Row D, Grave 17 (headstone no. 296). It is noted that he has a cross on his grave marker cum religious marker and the wording 'Too far away thy grave to see but not too far to think of thee'. Words supplied by Mrs. Mary Johnston of 35 Cumberland Street, Belfast.
Life Story
Name: William Johnston.
Service Number: 23152.
Rank: Private.
Battalion: 14th Battalion.
Regiment: Canadian Infantry (Quebec Regiment)
Born: 10th January 1883.
Died: 30th April 1916
Address: 35 Cumberland Street, Belfast
.
William Johnston, son of William and Mary Johnston, lived at 35 Cumberland Street, Shankill Road, Belfast.
The 1901 Ireland Census has William living at 35 Crosby Street, Shankill Road, Belfast, with his mother, father, occupation, Tailor, four sisters, Ellen, 13 years, Hannah, 9 years, Annie, 7 years, Mary, under 1 year, and 4 brothers, George, 16 years, Engine Fitter at Works, Alexander, 11 years, Grocers Messenger Boy, John, 5 years, and Matthew, 3 years. Williams occupation at this time is given as Engine Fitter at Works.
In 1909 William emigrated to the States.
He travelled to Valcartier, Quebec to enlist on the 23rd September 1914 for the duration of the war.
William Johnston, aged 33 years, was a Private in the 14th Battalion Canadian Infantry (Quebec Regiment) when he was Killed In Action of the 30th April 1916, while in the trenches near Zillebeke, Belgium.
A local newspaper states.
Private W Johnston, Canadian Infantry, killed, was the eldest son of Mr William Johnston, 35 Cumberland Street, Belfast. Deceased emigrated to the States in 1909, and enlisted in Quebec when war was declared.
Williams wages, 10 a Month, was sent home to his mother Mary throughout the duration of his service.
His mother received the Memorial Cross.
He received the British War Medal, Victory Medal and 1914-1915 Star.
He is Remembered at Chester Farm Cemetery, Belgium.
To Remember Is To Honour
.
Theme
Shankill Roll of Honour
Date
N/a
Classification
Certificate/Permit
