9th Battalion, Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers (British Army)
Died:
21/03/1918 (Killed in Action)
Age:
22
Summary
William Johnston was the son of John and Margaret Johnston. The 1901 census lists Willie as age 3 living with his mother and the Stewart family (his grandparents) at house 23 in Aughagaskin, Magherafelt. William Johnston enlisted in Londonderry, where he was living. Private William Johnston was a signaller. On the back of his will, in his pay book, was the alphabet in Morse code. Private William Johnston was serving with D Company of the 9th Battalion of the Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers when he was killed in action in France on 21st March 1918. The CWGC also record that is father also died in the war, although no other details are available.
Further Information
William Johnston was the son of John and Margaret Johnston. John Johnston married Margaret Stewart on 4th August 1897 in Magherafelt.
There is a William Johnston born in Magherafelt on 1st July 1899. It is unclear whether this is his birthdate.
The 1901 census lists Willie as age 3 living with his mother and the Stewart family (his grandparents) at house 23 in Aughagaskin, Magherafelt, Londonderry. His mother is listed as married, but his father is not present.
By the time of the 1911 census neither his mother nor Willie is living with the Stewarts.
William Johnston enlisted in Londonderry, where he was living.
Private William Johnston was a signaller. On the back of his will, in his pay book, was the alphabet in Morse code.
When he wrote his will on 18th July 1916, Private William Johnston was with the 10th Battalion of the Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers.
Private William Johnston was serving with D Company of the 9th Battalion of the Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers when he was killed in action in France on 21st March 1918. He was 20 years old.
Private Johnston has no known grave and is commemorated on Pozieres Memorial in Picardie, France.
In his will, William left all to his grandmother, Nancy Stewart, who was still living in Aughagaskin, Magherafelt. This suggests that both his mother and father had died by the date of the will.
Last Will and Testament of Private William Johnston
In the event of my death, I give the who of my property and effects to my grandmother Mrs Nancy Stewart, Aughagaskin, Magherafelt, Co. Derry. Private W Johnston 21083, 10th Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers, 18th July 1916.
The CWGC record Private William Johnston as the son of Margaret and the late John Johnston.
The CWGC also record that is father also died in the war, although no other details are available.
