In Memory of

Private Harry Johnson

26954
11th Battalion Lancashire Fusiliers
Died of Wounds 25th October 1916 Age 20

Private Harry Johnson was the son of John and Margaret Johnson of 149, Wistanton Road, Crewe. He was born at Mercer Street, Newton, his father being a gardener for Mr Arthur Smith, at Woodleigh, for some years. According to the NEG obituary of November 10th 1916, the family left Newton for Crewe "a year or two ago". Previous to enlisting on 16th November 1915, Harry worked in Chester. He went to the front on 12th July 1916.

He was wounded in action on 22nd October. The obituary in the NEG of November 10th includes a letter from the Matron at the Base Hospital:

"I regret very much to tell you that your son, Private H. Johnson, died here this evening. He was admitted to the Hospital at noon today, in a critical state, having been most dangerously wounded in the leg. Although everything possible was done for him, he just gradually got worse. It will comfort you to know he suffered very little pain, and passed away quite peacefully."

Harry is buried in Wimereux Communal Cemetery which is about five miles north of Boulogne. The town of Wimereux was an important British hospital centre throughout the war. There are nearly 3000 1914-18 casualties commemorated in the cemetery, including Lt.-Col. John McCrae famous for his poem "In Flanders Field".