Serg A J Johnson (1892 – 1916)

Albert Joseph Johnson was baptised at St Leonard’s on 15 June, 1892. His parents were Joseph and Agnes Johnson who ran a public house in St Mary Street. Albert was educated at Bridgnorth Grammar School. By 1911, he was articled to an auctioneer in Rugby.

Albert volunteered for the war on 21 January, 1915. He joined the 2/7th Royal Warwickshire Regiment – a second line Battalion originally intended only for service at home. He was promoted to Sergeant just before being sent to France on 22nd May 1916. He went missing on 19th July, 1916 during the Attack at Fromelles – the 61st Division’s disastrous first action on the Somme. Albert is buried at the Aubers Ridge British Cemetery, Aubers.

Serg Johnson, 266341, was awarded the Victory and British Medals.

OLD BOY NOTES
[Bridgnorth Grammar School Magazine, December 1916]
We regret to report that Sgt. A. J. Johnson, Pte C. N. Wightman and Signaller A Stokes are still among the missing. We sympathise most deeply with their parents who are suffering such terrible and protracted anxiety. . . . With regard to Sergt. A. J. Johnson, he has been missing since July 19th when the 2/7th Royal Warwicks atttacked the German line. The officer commanding C Co. writes: "Owing to the attack failing on the flank a number of our men were cut off. We have hopes that a number of these are prisoners. This, I hope, was the case with your son, who was a splendid N.C.O., highly efficient in every respect."