Name

Robert Johnstone.

Description

Newspaper Photograph of Rifleman Robert Johnstone.

Life Story

Name: Robert Johnstone.

Service Number: 9047.

Rank: Rifleman.

Battalion: 2nd Battalion.

Regiment: Royal Irish Rifles.

Born:

Died: 5th July 1915.

Address: 38 Aberdeen Street, Belfast

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Robert lived with his aunt Ellen Boomer at 38 Aberdeen Street, Shankill Road, Belfast

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Robert joined the Royal Irish Rifles

He was posted as part of the British Expeditionary Force to France on the 7th October 1914.

Robert was Rifleman in 2nd Battalion Royal Irish Rifles when he Died Of Wounds on the 5th of July 1915 within Derby Hospital, England aged 35 years.

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A local newspaper states

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Official intimation has been received that Private Robert Johnston 2nd Battalion Royal Irish Rifles, was wounded on February 22 and is at present on No.4 Stationary Hospital, France. He was a reservist, employed at Queens Island. His relatives reside at 38 Aberdeen Street, Belfast,

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Another newspaper states

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BELFAST SOLDIRS FUNERAL.

The death is reported from Derbyshire County Infirmary of Rifleman Robert Johnston, 2nd Battalion Royal Irish Rifles, who was admitted to that institution on May 31 with a batch of wounded from the front. He had been shot in the eye and had been operated on in France for internal ailment. His condition grew worse and he passed away a few days ago. The Mayor of Derby requested the authorities to accord military honours at the funeral, which took place to the Nottingham Road Cemetery. The chief mourned was deceased aunt, Mrs Boomer, 38 Aberdeen Street, Belfast, and the Mayor also attended with the sister and two nurses of the ward in which the deceased had been a patient. Wreaths were sent by the hospital staff, the wounded comrades in the ward, and Ms Boomer. The band from the Normanton Barracks and a bearer party carried out the last rites at the graveside. Rifleman Johnston was a reservist and was employed at the Queens Island. He was 35 years of age, and had been at the front since August until he was wounded. He served all through the Boar War

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Roberts Soldiers Effects were left to his Aunt Ellen Boomer.

His Pension Application Form shows his aunt as claimant.

Dependant Pension Application Forms show his aunt as claimant also

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See cousin also: 10611 Rifleman William Boomer 6th Battalion Royal Irish Rifles.

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

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He is Remembered at Derby (Nottingham Road) Cemetery, United Kingdom.

To Remember Is To Honour

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