Sergeant William John Johnston

 

 

William John Johnston was born on 30 October 1864 at Bohevny, Churchhill, County Fermanagh, one of at least three children of farmer Thomas Johnston and his wife Anne (née Crozier). At the time of the 1901 Census he was living at Bohevny with his widowed mother and a sister and working the family farm. The following year, on 22 January, he married Elizabeth Anne Corrigan in the Churchhill Methodist Church. At the time of the 1911 Census the couple were living on the farm at Bohevny with William's mother.

Johnston enlisted in the 6th (Inniskilling) Dragoons Service Squadron on 2 October 1914 (No. UD/12). He was soon after given the rank of sergeant, perhaps on account of previous military experience.

He did not see active service overseas, probably on account of his age. Two dates are written on a pension ledger index card relating to his service – 27 February 1915 and 17 February 1920 – one of which is likely to be a date of discharge from the army.

 

The image of Johnston is from a group photo of officers and NCOs of the squadron which appeared in the Belfast Evening Telegraph of 28 January 1915. The full image can be seen here.

 

This page last updated 17 July 2023.