Jun 23, 1876

Born in Burritts Rapids, Ontario

May 3, 1917

Attested into the 24^th Battalion CEF Reinforcing Draft in Rockland, Ontario

Ø      Number 2309353

Ø      Next of kin given as Thomas Johnston, brother, Edmonton, Alberta

o       There is a note to also notify Mrs. Maggie Cramer, sister, 106 Rushbrook St., Point St. Charles, Montreal, Quebec

Ø      He is noted as Married but Separated

Ø      Previous occupation given as Trainman

Ø      No previous military experience given

Ø      Religion given as Church of England

Aug 1, 1917

Transferred to the EORD (Eastern Ontario Regimental Depot) in Kingston

Sep 17, 1917

Forfeited 5 day’s pay for an unspecified offence

Nov 9, 1917

Forfeited 1 day’s pay for an unspecified offence

Nov 24, 1917

Embarked the SS Megantic as part of the EORD’s 1^st Draft, along with the 2^nd Draft of the PPCLI (Princess Patricia Canadian Light Infantry)

Dec 7, 1917

Disembarked in Liverpool, England and proceeded to Seaford where he was absorbed into the 6^th Reserve Battalion to continue training

Apr 11, 1918

Transferred to the 21^st Battalion and arrived at the No. 2 CIBD

(Canadian Infantry Base Depot) in Etaples, France, and TOS (Taken On Strength) the 21^st Battalion

Apr 16, 1918

After leaving the base depot, Private Johnston joined the CC Rein C (Canadian Corps Reinforcement Camp) in Calonne Ricouart, France as part of a draft of 9 reinforcements destined to join the 21^st Battalion

Apr 21, 1918

Left the reinforcement camp and joined the 21^st Battalion in the support trench near Neuville Vitasse, France

Aug 26, 1918

During an attack on the Nova Scotia and Minora trenches held by the Germans near Guemappe, Private William Johnston was killed in heavy fighting and buried in the Tilloy British Cemetery,
Tilloy Les Mofflaines, France

Following the war the British War Medal and Victory Medal were sent to his sister, Mrs. Maggie, Cramer at 1537 Mance St., Montreal, Quebec 

The Plaque (Dead Man’s Penny), Scroll and Memorial Cross was sent to his widow, Mrs. Aime Johnston, 2270 Park Ave., Montreal, Quebec