Frank Johnson
- Family History
- Military History
- Extra Information
- Photographs
Frank Johnson was born in 1895 at Lea, Lincolnshire, he was the son of the late William Henry an agricultural labourer and Jane Ann Johnson née Robinson of Kexby, Lincolnshire. William Henry was born in 1858 at Kexby, he died in 1896 aged 38 yrs, Jane Ann Robinson was born in 1856 at Kexby, they had 6 children. In the 1911 census Frank has left the family home, he is living at Thurlby Manor, Swinderby he is 17 years old, single and is a servant, a waggoner on farm, he is living with Fred Robinson 33 yrs a farmer and his wife Clara 39 yrs of age.
Private Frank Johnson enlisted at Retford, he served with the 8th battalion Sherwood Foresters Regiment, he was killed in action on 4th April 1916 and is buried at Ecoivres Military Cemetery, Mont-St. Eloi, France. Plot 1. Row B. Grave 16.
Pte Frank Johnson Retford Times 21 April 1916 Considerable regret was caused in the village of Laneham when the news was received that another local soldier Pte Frank Johnson of the Sherwood Foresters (TF), youngest son of Mrs H Lawson had been killed in action on April 4. The official intimation was sent by Lieut Marshall, commanding the Platoon, expressing regret at losing so good and popular a soldier, and the following day a further note was received from the chaplain giving particulars of the last rites. The deceased soldier was only 19 years of age when he responded to the country’s call in the early days of the war and was very soon sent to France, reaching there in Spring of 1915. He took part in all the hard fighting in the following year and was once slightly wounded but soon recovered. Although out so many months he had not any leave granted, although several times in his letters he expressed a desire to come home for a few days. Much sympathy is felt for his mother, who is a widow and has four other sons serving in the army. A memorial service was held in the church on Sunday afternoon.
