Cpl 28918 Thomas George Johnstone

• Age: 20
• From: Liverpool
• Regiment: 8 R LANCS REGT
• Died on Friday 24th May 1918
• Commemorated at: Sandpits British Cemetery, Fouquereuil
  Panel Ref: I.L.2

Thomas George Johnstone was born in Liverpool on 28^th May 1897 to Charles Johnstone and his wife Emma (nee Brown). He was baptised in St. Peter’s Church, Liverpool, on 20th June 1897; his parents were living on Stanley Road, his father is a hairdresser. He was named after his paternal grandfather, and was called George. He was the second of four children and had an elder brother Frederick and two younger sisters, Elsie and Alice.

His parents Charles George Frederick Johnstone and Emma Elizabeth Brown were married on 29th August 1886 in St. Matthew’s Church, Liverpool, giving their address as Eldon Place, and Charles’ occupation as hairdresser.  After their marriage the couple apparently lived in Seacombe, as the first born, Frederick was born there, they lived some time in Seaforth, and by 1901 they are living at 6 Hicks Road, Liverpool. Mother Emma, is head of household, brother Frederick is 13, George is 3, and sister Elsie is 1 year old.  His sister Alice was born later that year.

Sadly, his mother Emma died, aged 41, in February 1904; they were then living at 121 Great Mersey Street.  George was 6, and his sisters were 4 and 2 years old. 

His father remarried in August that year, to Eleanor Maxwell Walters. Charles gives his address as 18 Holland Street, Fairfield. 

In 1911 his step-mother Eleanor is at 17 Hanley Street, Fairfield. His father is not in the household.  George is 13, Elsie 10, Alice 9. He now has three younger step-siblings: Charles, Eleanor, and Caroline. 

As his service record has not survived, the details and dates are not known, but  George probably enlisted in November 1914 in the 20th Battalion of The King’s Liverpool Regiment, as Private 22140. 

Formed in November 1914 the 20^th Battalion were originally billeted at Tournament Hall, Knotty Ash before on 29^th January 1915 they moved to the hutted accommodation purposely built at Lord Derby’s estate at Knowsley Hall. On 30th April 1915 the 20th Battalion alongside the other three Pals battalions left Liverpool via Prescot Station for further training at Belton Park, Grantham. They remained here until September 1915 when they reached Larkhill Camp on Salisbury Plain. 

George sailed from Folkestone with the 20^th KLR  and arrived at Boulogne on 7^th November 1915.  

At some point he was promoted to Corporal, and later transferred to 8th Bn King’s Own Royal Lancaster Regiment, with regimental number 28918. 

By mid-May 1918 his battalion was in Division Reserve near Chocques, Pas de Calais, and on 21^st May moved to the front line at Hinges. According to the battalion War Diary, the previous day the Division had suffered over 1,000 casualties due to mustard gas.  The enemy continued to send over gas shells on subsequent days.  On the 24^th, the enemy shelled both sides of Canal Bank on the left. 

Corporal George Johnstone was killed in action on 24^th May 1918, 4 days before his 21st birthday.  He now rests at Sandpits British Cemetery, Fouquereuil.

The cemetery was begun by XIII Corps at the outset of the German advance in April 1918, and continued to be used by them until September 1918. There are now 394 First World War burials in the cemetery. The cemetery was designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens.

George earned his three medals. 

His effects went to his mother, Eleanor.  

Notices were placed in the Liverpool Daily Post on 08th June 1918 in the Roll of Honour, Killed in Action section:

“May 24, killed in action, Corporal Thomas George Johnstone (late of K.L.R.), second son of Charles F. Johnstone, 10 Rossett Avenue, late Tuebrook.”

“May 24, killed in action, Corpl. George Johnstone, K.O.R.L., second and beloved son of C.A.N.[sic] Johnstone, 10 Rossett Avenue, Smithdown Road.”

And on 12^th June 1918 a notice was placed in the Liverpool Daily Post:

“May. 24, killed in action, Corporal George Johnstone, K.O.R.L., second and beloved son of C. and N. Johnstone, 10 Rosett Avenue, Smithdown Road.”

CWGC records show George as son of Charles and Eleanor Johnstone, of 10 Rossett Avenue, Smithdown Road, Liverpool.

Charles and Eleanor, with daughters Eleanor and Caroline, were still living at 10 Rossett Avenue in 1939. His father was still working as a barber. 

His father died in 1944 aged 81, and his mother Eleanor in 1956, aged 79.

We currently have no further information on Thomas George Johnstone. If you have or know someone who may be able to add to the history of this soldier, please contact us.