Johnston, William James
Private
No. 22152, 9th Battalion, Princess Victoria’s (Royal Irish Fusiliers)
Killed in action on Thursday 16 August 1917 (aged 34)
No known grave
Commemorated:
Commonwealth War Graves Commission
Tyne Cot Memorial, Belgium (Panel 140 to 141)
Journey of Remembering Belfast Book of Honour
BIOGRAPHY
William James Johnson was born on 11 March 1883 in Kircubbin and he was a son of William and Elizabeth (Lizzie) Johnston (nee Steele).
William Johnston worked as an agricultural labourer and he and Elizabeth had at least six children, all of whom were baptised in Kircubbin Parish Church of Ireland Church:
William James (born 11 March 1883 in Kircubbin)
Elizabeth (born 25 December 1886 in Kircubbin)
Hugh (born 1 September 1889 in Tubber-na-carrig, Kircubbin)
Martha (born 25 September 1892 in Kircubbin)
Agnes Mary (born around 1894/1895)
Robert (born 18 October 1896 in Tubber-na-carrig, Kircubbin)
William James Johnston and Margaret (Maggie) McClements were married on 29 October 1902 in Glastry Presbyterian Church. William James Johnston, a minor (aged 19) from Kircubbin was a seaman. Margaret McClements from Kircubbin was a daughter of David McClements, a yachtsman.
William James Johnston worked as a fireman and trimmer on a steamer and he and Maggie had at least two children:
John (born 7 March 1903 in Kircubbin)
William (born 16 July 1905 in Kircubbin)
The Johnston family moved to Belfast where William James worked as a bread server and he and Maggie had at least two more children:
David McClements (born 30 September 1907 at 54 Upper Glenfarne Street, Belfast)
Harry (born 10 September 1909 at 12 Rockview Street, Belfast)
The Johnston family also lived at 9 Upper Charleville Street, Belfast.
William James Johnston enlisted in Belfast and he served with the 9th Battalion Royal Irish Fusiliers in 108th Brigade of the 36th (Ulster) Division.
Private William James Johnson was 34 when he was killed in action on 16 August 1917 at Langemarck during the Third Battle of Ypres and he has no known grave.
Private William James Johnson is commemorated on the Tyne Cot Memorial in Belgium and in the Belfast Book of Honour (Page 303).