No.15708, Private, Arthur John JOHNSON
Aged 32
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Arthur John Johnson was born in Kentford in 1885 (Mildenhall Q4-1885 4A:680), baptised in Kentford on 10th January 1886, son of William and Ellen JOHNSON
(née TRUNDLEY).
1891 census...Aged 5, he was at Main Street, Gazeley, with his father William JOHNSON [42] farm labourer born Bottisham; his mother Ellen [32], born Swavesey; brothers Eli [12], Fred W [10] both born in Bottisham and Herbert George [3] born in Gazeley and sister Rosetta [7] born in Bottisham. 1901 census...Aged 15, shepherd's help, he was at The Cottages, Cambridge Road, Babraham boarding with the Stebbings family. His parents, brother Herbert, sisters Florence [10], and Violet E [6] and brother Harry [3] (children all born in Gazeley), where still in Main Street, Gazeley. 1911 census...Aged 25, still single, a shepherd, he was still boarding with the Stebbings family in Babraham. His parents were still at main Street, Gazeley with his brother Henry ( farm labourer) and sister Ellen [8] and brother William [6] both born in Gazeley. All the siblings still survived. The family address after his death was Church Hill, Gazeley. |
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He enlisted in Cambridge. As his Army records have not been found, there is no way of knowing where or when he was wounded. On August 24th 1917 the 11th Suffolks were involved in heavy fighting on the trench system in front of Hargicourt and had captured Malakoff farm and took part of Triangle trench so perhaps this was the answer. Tincourt was a centre for Casualty Clearing Stations at the time. The Bury Free Press of 15th September 1917 reported:- ANOTHER GAZELEY SOLDIER KILLED Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Johnson of the Church Cottages, Gazeley, have just received the information that their son, Prvt A.Johnson, of the 11th Suffolks, has died of wounds received on Agust 28th. Apparently he did not recover consciousness after his injuries, as it is reported that he died in his sleep on the 29th. Prvt Johnson was 32 years of age, and was of a quiet genial disposition and highly respected by all who knew him. He had served three years in the Army and had been previously wounded about a year ago. Deep sympathy is felt for Mr. and Mrs. Johnson, who have three other sons and one son-in-law still serving
photo: Rodney Gibson click here to go to the Commonwealth War Graves Commission website for full cemetery/memorial details |
