No.34509, Private, Lester Samuel JOHNSON
Aged 40
Born Leicester Samuel JOHNSON in Swaffham on 27th December 1876(1st qtr Swaffham Union 386) son of Charles Stevenson and Emily Agnes JOHNSON (née READ ).
Baptised Leicester Samuel JOHNSON in Swaffham on 5th February 1877. His mother died in 1880
1881 census...Aged 4 he was at Maugate Street, Swaffham with his father Charles S JOHNSON [38] solicitor's clerk; brothers Edgar C [8], William [5] and Horace Stevenson [1] All born in Swaffham, Norfolk. His father died in 1885 1891 census...not found in this census. Brother Horace was with his aunt Anne Eliza Read at 4 Gwynne Terrace, Exning Road, Newmarket; brother Edgar was a railway clerk, boarding in Waterbeach 1901 census...Aged 24, a butcher, he was at 4 Gwynne Terrace, Exning Road, Newmarket with his aunt Anne E READ [54] grocer. He married Louisa Jane SOUTHWELL [11-3-1886] in Bury St.Edmunds in 1908. 1911 census...Aged 32, journeyman butcher, he was at 141 Cemetery Road, Bury St.Edmunds with his wife Louisa J [26] born Bury St.Edmunds; son William L [10 months] born Bury St.Edmunds; and a family friend Alfred J LONG [16] His widow was later at 8 Cemetery Road, Kings Road, Bury St Edmunds with son William Leslie [3-6-1910]; daughters Irene Maud [12-3-1912], Lily May [12-6-1914] and Dorothy Vera [3-10-1916]. Louisa married 44588 Private Harold SMEDLEY, KOYLI on 26th January 1918. |
He enlisted in Bury St.Edmunds. The battalion were at MONCHY, line made possible. Maintenance of trenches which were damaged by continuous shell fire, sometimes becoming a heavy barrage. Just two men killed. click here to go to the Commonwealth War Graves Commission website for full cemetery/memorial details |