Ernest Johnson

Ernest Johnson was born in 1895 he was the son of Thomas a machine fitter and Selina Johnson née Webster of 20 Wimbourne Road Radford Nottingham. Thomas was born in 1867 at Nottingham, Selina Webster was born in 1869 at Hucknall, they were married in 1888 their marriage was recorded in the Basford registration district, they had 6 children. In 1911 the family are living at 73 Norton Street, Radford, Thomas 44 yrs is a machine fitter, he is living with his wife Selina 42 yrs and their 6 children, Ernest is 16 yrs and a blind maker, Edward is 14 yrs and is a jacquard printer.

He was a blind maker

Private Ernest Johnson, served with the 1st Battalion Sherwood Foresters (Nottinghamshire & Derbyshire) Regiment, landing in France on 4th November 1914 he was killed in action on 5th July 1916 in the attack on the German positions at La Boisselle, France, during the Battle of the Somme, he has no known grave his name is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial.

His brother Private Edward Johnson 11th Bn Sherwood Foresters was also killed (16/9/1917). War obituary, All Saints Church News, December 1917: 'Edward Johnson, 20 Wimbourne Road, Private Sherwood Foresters, killed in action September 16th 1917, aged 21. His brother Ernest was killed in action July 5th 1916 on the Somme.' In memoriam published 6th July 1917 in the Nottingham Evening Post :- “JOHNSON. – In loving memory of our dear son, Private Ernest Johnson, Sherwood Foresters, killed in action July 6th, [sic] 1916. Peace, perfect peace, with our loved one far away. In Jesu's keeping he is safe. – Sadly missed by us all, mother, dad, and two brothers in France, and one at Preston, and Lily and Abe.” Neither brother is named on the All Saints (Raleigh Street, Nottingham) memorial.