Brenda McMahon has submitted the following:-
John was born at Gateshead in 1888. His father was Thomas but his mother’s name is not known. He had several siblings and half siblings. His siblings were James, Thomas, Edward whilst his step family were Jonathan, Jane Ann Mary and Hannah. At least 2 of his brothers served with the Kents during the war.
John was a coal miner by trade.
He married Mary Ann, at Gateshead Register Office on 15 November 1911. Three girls followed - Emily, Elizabeth and Georgina.
John enlisted at South Shields 25 August 1914 serving at home until December 1915 when he joined his battalion with the British Expeditionary Force in France.
His military records show him as being 5’6” tall, 155 lbs in weight, Dark complexion, blue eyes, brown hair and was considered to be in good physical condition. His religion was Church of England.
John’s service record is blighted with many offences ranging from overstaying his pass, neglect of duty whilst company cook, drunk and creating a disturbance in his billet when a defaulter and not complying with battalion orders. For these offences he received the standard punishments including confinement to barracks, forfeiture of pay but on 18 February 1916 he was awarded the much more severe Field Punishment no.1 which he endured for 28 days. The offence happened in the field although details are not stated.
He was killed in action 1 July 1916 aged 28 years.
His wife later received a pension of 20s/6d for herself and her girls.
Medals:- British War Medal and Victory Medal
John George Johnson is remembered at Gateshead on G39.004 and at Gateshead Fell on G39.064
He is also remembered in The DLI Book of Remembrance page 169
