JOHNSON, John, Francis and Lawrence

John, Francis and Lawrence were sons of John and Susannah Johnson of Old Mill, near Tingha NSW.

John, a twenty-eight-year-old Miner, enlisted at East Maitland in February 1916. He became a member of the 34th Battalion, C Company and sailed from Australia for England on HMAT A20 Hororata in May 1916. After three months training in England, he was sent to France in November 1916. Six months later he was sick and returned to England for treatment. He came back to Australia and was medically discharged in October 1917.

Francis, who was born at Inverell, tried to enlist in 1914 and was rejected. He was finally accepted when he enlisted at Warwick Qld., in August 1916. He was twenty-two and working as a Labourer. He joined the 49th Battalion, 22nd Reinforcement and sailed from Australia for England on HMAT A74 Marathon in October 1916. Several months later he went to France, was wounded in action and subsequently died of his injuries. Francis was buried at Etaples Military Cemetery, France. His wallet and medals were sent to his parents.

Lawrence was eighteen when, with his parents permission, he enlisted in March 1918 at Lithgow NSW. He joined the NSW Reinforcement 3 and departed Australia for England on board RMS Osterley in May 1918. After three months training in England, he was sent to France and assigned to the 55th Battalion. He returned to Australia and was medically discharged in June 1919. Lawrence was living at Inverell before he died in 1972. He was buried at Ashford NSW.

The names of these three brothers are recorded on the Stannifer and Old Mill Honour Roll. The Ashford Honor Roll also records Lawrence's name.