Name

Robert Johnston

Description

Lance Corporal Robert Johnston

Life Story

Name: Robert Johnston.

Service Number: 6359.

Rank: Lance Corporal.

Battalion: 1st Battalion.

Regiment: Royal Irish Rifles.

Born: Newtownards, County Down.

Died: 9th May 1915.

Address: 51 Urney Street, Belfast

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Robert Johnston, son of Robert Johnston, lived with his wife and children at 51 Urney Street, Shankill, Belfast

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Robert had married Isabella Johnston, Nee Spence, on the 3rd June 1909 within Trinity Church Of Ireland Church Belfast. They went on to have at least two children, though a local newspaper says three, their names and dates of births are as follows, Mary Johnston born 5th May 1910, Margaret Johnston born 17th June 1914

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Robert joined the Royal Irish Rifles.

He was posted as part of the British Expeditionary Force to France on the 9th November 1914.

Robert was a Lance Corporal in 1st Battalion Royal Irish Rifles when he Died Of Wounds on the 9th May 1915

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A local newspaper states

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Mrs Johnston of 51 Urney Street, Belfast would be grateful for any news concerning her husband, Rifleman Robert Johnston (6359), 1st Batt Royal Irish Rifles, of whom she has heard nothing for some time. An official notification received yesterday morning states that he was posted as missing after the engagement at Rouge Bancs on May 9. Prior to being called up on the reserve Johnston was a Tinsmith employed in Belfast

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Another states

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Rifleman Robert Johnston Royal Irish Rifles,(killed), is another victim of Rouge Bancs, news of whose death has only been notified to the next of kin. He leaves a wife and three children, who reside at 51 Urney Street, Belfast

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Roberts Soldiers Effects were left to his widow.

His Will, signed and dated the 7th November 1914 and wrote while based in Palace Barracks, Holywood, left his Property and Effects to his to his wife Lizzy Johnston. .

A Dependant Pension Application Form shows his widow as claimant for herself and two children, Mary and Margaret.

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Another sad strand to Roberts story is this

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Roberts nephew, 6728 Rifleman Robert Johnston 1st Battalion Royal Irish Rifles, who held the same occupation, Tinsmith, was within the same Battalion and Regiment was in fact Killed In Action on the same day and same place, Rouge Bancs, as his uncle

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Robert received the British War Medal, Victory Medal and 1914 Star.

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He is Remembered at Ploegsteert Memorial, Belgium.

To Remember Is To Honour

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