GYMNAST JAMES JOHNSON [sic] DIES

Hyde born James Johnson who years ago used to astonish local residents by performing such feats of strength and balance, as standing on one hand on top of the old Hyde gasometer, or on the spire of St George's Church died at the age of 89, on Sunday, September 17, at Yew Tree Home, Dukinfield. He enlisted in 1896 and became a sergeant in the Lancashire Fusiliers. 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. Mr Johnson was also outstanding as a runner and won many professional handicaps. He served in the Boer War and the First World War and attended Queen Victoria's funeral. When he was 61 he volunteered to join up when the Second World War broke out but he was turned down as too old. Mr Johnson's favourite expression was, "It's not the coat that makes the man but the things that God gave him." The funeral was at Holy Trinity Church on Friday, the Rev. T S McCann officiating. Mourners Mr & Mrs Samuel Johnson, Gunner A J Johnson RHA, Gunner T P Johnson RA, Mr & Mrs Buxton, Mr K Buxton (New Zealand).