Son of James Shaw Johnston & Lettice Hague
b. 1878 ENG - d. 1967 ENG

South African (Boer) War, 1899-1902

Lancashire Fusiliers 20th Foot (6th Battalion)
Rank: Sergeant
Service number: 6813

Malta (1899-1900)
James was 18 years and 1 month old on 15 October 1898 when he enlisted in the Lancashire Fusiliers at Bury. He enlisted for seven years army service and five years reserve service. He was recorded as being 5', 7¼" tall, with a sallow complexion, black hair and brown eyes. On his right forearm was a tattoo of a crucifix and on his left forearm a heart and JJ. His parents' address at the time was 2 Brook Street in Hyde. From 15 October 1898 till 6 January 1999 he was 'at home'. He was appointed Lance Corporal on 9 December 1899. From 17 January 1899 till 20 March 1900 he was in Malta. From 21 March 1900 to 9 January 1906 he was 'at home' again. He was promoted to Corporal on 22 June 1900. He passed a short course in physical training, passed prof. exam. for Sergeant on 21 March 1901 and attained a first class certificate in gymnastics. On 4 February 1902 he was deprived of his stripes for drunkedness. On 10 March 1903 he was in arrest and tried by RCM for drunkedness and screened to be reduced to the ranks. On 29 April 1902 he was appointed Lance Corporal and on 12 July of the same year promoted to Corporal. On 16 January 1905 he was appointed L. Sergeant. On 2 December 1905 he was tried by his DCM and in confinement for using insubordinate language to his superior officer; he was confined to the ranks on the 5th (private) and forfeited his 1GC badge (good conduct badge). From 10 January 1906 to 14 October 1910 he was 'at home'. He was a member of the army gymnastic team and appeared before royalty three times as a gymnast. Much of his time in the forces was spent as a musketry, drill, physical training and fencing instructor, and he was considered a master in the art of bayonet fighting. He attended Queen Victoria's funeral.
He was discharged from the army on 14 October 1910, after his twelve years' total service.

World War I, 1914-1918

Source: Military documents