12193 PTE W.JOHNSON 4/R.FUS (on 1914 Star)
L-12193 PTE W.JOHNSON R.FUS (on pair)
William Johnson
Born Stepney circa 1883
Son of William McIntosh Pirrie & Mary Ann Pirrie, of 21 Burgess Road, Stratford, London
To France 7/10/14 & qualified for the Aug-Nov 1914 Clasp
Served with 4th Royal Fusiliers
Note: The 4th Royal Fusiliers moved to positions along the edge of Herenthage Wood, near Hooge in the Ypres Salient 6/11/14. Early on the morning of 11/11/14, the Germans started a severe shelling of the British lines.
Two hours later the Prussian Guards attacked & entered the British front line at Herenthage Wood, but the 4th Royal Fusiliers manage to eject them at the point of the bayonet. The Germans then launched a second attack & captured some of the British lines; the 4th Royal Fusiliers attempted to retake these position, but their counter-attack failed & they suffered yet more heavy casualties.
KIA at Herenthage Wood 11/11/14
With London Infantry Record Office Letter of Condolence & Bestowal of the 1914 Star
Also with copy of his Medal Index Card, SDGW & CWGC details plus supporting research documentation
Condition: On short silk ribbons with old gilded tailor's copy 'Aug-Nov 1914' Clasp sewn on, NEF