Arthur Lyon Johnson MM

Compiled by Al Lloyd with photos supplied by John Geen

Seen here with his good friend, Ernest Geen.   They signed up for the 21st Battalion together and their lives crossed paths many times, both during and after the war.  See also the page for Ernest Geen.  Ernest replaced him Arthur when he was invalided to England in February 1916.  They stood up for each other when they were married as well as serving with each other in the Argyll Light Infantry after the war.

This photo was taken at Arthur Johnson's wedding to the grand-daughter of Sir MacKenzie Bowell, Canada's 5th Prime Minister.   The photo was taken on the grounds of the Bowell estate in Belleville Ontario.   Ernest Geen can be seen to the right of the Bride and Groom.

 
Belleville Cemetery, Belleville ON

SUMMARY OF COURT MARTIAL PROCEEDINGS FOR

Arthur Lyon Johnson
21^ST BATTALION
Researched and compiled by Al Lloyd

 Library and Archives Canada reference 

            The General Court Martial was held November 20, 1917, at the Rear Headquarters of the 5^th Canadian Infantry Brigade, FORT GEORGE, at 10.00 am.   Three other persons were put on trial the same day, but Lieut AL Johnson was the only member of the 21^st Battalion.

President of the proceedings 

Brigadier General HDB Ketchen, CMG, Commanding 6^th Canadian Infantry Brigade. 

Members 

Lieut Col AEG McKenzie, DSO             26^th Canadian Battalion

Lieut Col LH Millen                          19^th Canadian Battalion

Major W Andrews, DSO               20^th Canadian Battalion

Capt AO Dawson                                26^th Canadian Battalion 

Waiting Members 

Major A McMillan, DSO               26^th Canadian Battalion

Capt WC Michell                                     18^th Canadian Battalion 

Judge Advocate 

Capt JH Thorpe,                                 7^th Manchester Regiment 

Prosecutor 

Capt AP Christmas                             21^st Canadian Battalion 

TRANSCRIBER’S NOTE  The original documents that I viewed are on microfilm and most pages were extremely difficult to decipher, those that were hand written presented the most difficulty.  I have the original scans, plus the enhancements that I produced as working copies.  If you wish to view those, please email me at swellal@hotmail.com  

1^st Charge: 

The accused, Lieutenant Arthur Lyon Johnson, 21^st Canadian Infantry Battalion, attached 2^nd Divisional Wing Canadian Corps Reinforcemnt Camp, an officer of the Canadian Expeditionary Force, is charged with: 

When on Active Service, DRUNKENESS, in that he, in the field, when on duty, about 9.15 pm 24^th October 1917, was drunk.

Plea: 

o       Guilty 

Finding: 

o       Guilty 

Sentence: 

To be dismissed from His Majesty’s Service 

Character Witness 

Major HW Cooper             21^st Canadian Battalion 

            “I knew Lieut Johnson as a member of “D” Company, 21^st Cdn Btn from 3^rd November 1914 until the spring of 1916.  I was a Subaltern Officer in the Company.  During his period in the trenches he was a most reliable non-commissioned officer.  He was with me on several patrols and at the time he was wounded, when I wanted to bandage him first, he asked that his wounded comrade be attended to first.  He was a good soldier.” 

First Prosecution Witness 

Lieut Percival Hales Watson             28^th Canadian Battalion 

(paraphrased) 

Lieut Watson testified that he is the Adjutant of the 2^nd Divisional Wing at the Canadian Corps Reinforcement Camp.  On 24 October, 1917, the accused was detailed as the Orderly Officer.   I saw the accused that evening in the Orderly Room drunk at about 9.00 pm.  I informed the Commandant and he instructed me to place him under arrest.  I summoned Lieut Coulson and arrested the accused and placed him in Lieut Coulson’s custody. 

When asked by the accused, Lieut Watson stated that the accused had complied with all instructions in a reasonable manner.  That was the only question asked of him. 

 Second Prosecution Witness 

Lieut Charles Lake Coulson             19^th Canadian Battalion 

Lieut Coulson testified that Lieut Watson summoned him to the Orderly Room and placed the accused under “Close Arrest” and in his custody until he was relieved approximately 15 minutes later. 

The accused declined to ask any questions 

Transcriber’s Note:  There were 2 more witnesses, but because of the poor quality of the microfilm, I could not decipher the names.  One of those was the Acting RSM, the other a Lieut, both members of the staff of the Reinforcement Camp.   Both of these men testified that they had observed the accused drunk while on duty that evening. 

Statement by Accused 

 To President and Members General Court Martial: 

            “I have pleaded guilty to the charge made against me and wish to make the following statement pleading extenuating circumstances. 

            In February 1915 I received a gun shot wound through the head which paralyzed the lower portion of my face for some six months and I still have traces of in my lower jaw.  At times the back of my head also pains considerable.  On the evening of my offence I had but three drinks which put me in the condition I was in.  I know since being injured I have had to be most careful what and how much liquor I take.  I trust you will consider this in rendering your verdict.” 

(Signed) AL Johnson

21^st Canadians

THE ONTARIO INTELLIGENCER Wednesday April 18, 1934

MAJ. JOHNSON, WAR VETERAN, PASSES AWAY  

            Arthur Johnson is dead; a native son of Belleville; one who loved the place of his birth and was proud of its beauties, has passed on to the great beyond. Deep feelings of regret were expressed by many friends and citizens generally when the word of his death at the Belleville General Hospital was received late yesterday afternoon.  In his passing a personality has been removed from the life of the city which will be greatly missed, as Major Arthur Johnson, prominent in military circles and in his work as a newspaper man, came into personal  contact with many citizens with whom he was popular.  He was the possessor of a most happy disposition and a pleasing, ingratiating manner. He abhorred sham and his ready wit and gift of repartee made him an entertaining companion. Memory of  him will linger long with his most intimate friends; it is they who knew the real Arthur Johnson and valued his friendship for his good qualities of head and heart. 

            Six weeks ago Major Johnson slipped upon a piece of ice and fractured his left ankle. After having the fracture reduced at the hospital be was taken to the home of Mrs. G. W. McCarthy, Williams street.  Later he developed pleurisy and as a result his system was considerably weakened and a little over a week ago he was removed to the Belleville General   Hospital.  Here a heart condition became acute and resulted in his demise. 

            The late Major Arthur Lyon Johnson, MM, was born in Belleville on September 2. 1831, being the third son of the late William and Mary Melissa Johnson. He was education in the city public and high schools. On leaving the high school he entered the Ontario Business College, which was conducted by his uncle, the late J. W. Johnson. M.P.P., and on graduation from that school he went to Boston where he entered upon a business career.   He was an expert accountant and occupied responsible positions in Boston and New York. When the Great War broke out, Major John-son returned to Belleville and en-listed  in the service of his country with the 21st Battalion at Kingston, thus being one of the original members of that gallant and famous regiment. He went overseas early the following year and served with distinction until the end of the war.

 Wounded at Lens 

            He was badly wounded while in the Lens sector and was invalided to England. On returning to France he was granted a commission on the field as lieutenant and awarded the Military Medal, his full decoration being Military Medal. 1914-15 star. General Service Medal and Victory Medal. The detailed particulars of the awarding of this medal to Major Johnson are set forth in an official document issued by the Department of National Defence at Ottawa and which reads as follows: 

            "The following is the citation which accompanied the presentation of the Military Medal presented 1263320 Private A. L, Johnson, 2lst Battalion Canadian Infantry.  Dated London   Gazette 30652, 25th April 1918.

CITATION

              "For conspicuous    gallantry and devotion to duty.  In connection with a hostile raid on a large scale, when the enemy succeeded in entering our trenches under cover of an intense barrage and the use of liquid fire, this man advanced in the counter-attack with great courage bombing the enemy continually, notwithstanding he was under a heavy rain of bombs and rifle fire with no cover or protection.  He worked his way up the line until the enemy was driven out.  His example was responsible for re-taking part of the line." 

            In 1919 Major Johnson returned to Belleville and decided to make his home here.    On the reorganization of the Argyll Light Infantry he was made a Company Commander with the rank of Major and he continued with the battalion for some years.  Major Johnson was an enthusiastic worker for the erection of the Cenotaph and he was a leading spirit in the celebration of Armistice Day last year.   He was an enthusiastic member of the 21st Battalion Club and attended all of their reunions.   In politics he was a staunch Conservative, and was a valued worker in the party.   From September 1919 to February 1929 he was a member of the local staff of the  Government Income Tax Office, and of late years he had been a member of the staff of the Ontario Intelligencer.            

            In   June 1921, Major Johnson married Evalyn Mary McCarthy, only daughter of the late George W McCarthy and Mrs. McCarthy of this city.  Mrs. Johnson passed from this life August of the following year.  

            Major Johnson is survived by his little daughter, Evalyn, who is a great favorite with many citizens, and by the following brothers and sisters:    W. H. Johnson. Toronto; James S. Johnson,   Boston;   Mrs. (Rev) Fred Howard, Deseronto. and Mrs. Scott Gilbert, Windsor, Ont.

To them will be extended sincere sympathy by many friends and residents of this city.

The funeral which will be in charge of the military will take place Saturday afternoon from the residence of Mrs. G. W. McCarthy, at the comer of William and Bridge Street.   In the meantime the body of Major Johnson is resting at the Belleville Burial Company's funeral parlors until Friday noon.

            Friends of the late Major Johnson today commented upon his passing as follows: 

            Mr. L. G. Madden, first vice president of the 21st. Battalion Association and secretary of the Belleville branch of the 21st Battalion club said:  "Major Arthur Johnson was one of the prime movers of the organization of the 21st Battalion Club and was always  willing at all times to assist in furthering the interests of the cub and the Battalion Association.  All members will regret his passing and he will be greatly missed at our annual reunions." 

            Lt.-Col E. A. Geen, Commanding Officer of the Argyll Light Infantry said:   "In the death of Major  Arthur Johnson I personally have lost one of my greatest friends and supporters in military matters.   He enlisted with me in the 21st. Battalion at Kingston in October. 1914. and we went overseas together the following June.     In France I was corporal  in    charge of the party of stretcher bearers which carried Arthur Johnson from the M. M. trenches when he was picked off by a sniper.   He was very badly wounded.  By all ranks of the Argyll Light Infantry, Major Arthur Johnson will be greatly missed."  

            Major the Rev. A. Beauchamp Payne, chaplain of the Argyll Light Infantry:   "In the passing of Major Arthur L. Johnson the citizens of Belleville have lost a loyal citizen and the military and soldier organizations, a staunch and true comrade and friend.    The records of his service will ever stand the test of time to prove his courage in the face of duty and the experience of his friendship will remain to those who were given the opportunity of knowing him and the deeper qualities, not always revealed upon the surface of a man's life.  To his comrades who served with him his, genial character and wit will stand out in the memory of a real soldier.  His sudden passing has come as a great shock and we shall now think of him as having joined the ranks of many  warrior  comrades having reached their objective." 

            Colonel Roscoe Vanderwater, D.S.O., Sidney township, when in-formed of the death of Major Arthur Johnson recalled his lengthy association and friendship with the deceased.  I was well acquainted with him for many years, both before and during the war.  Although we served in different units in France, I met him often and renewed our old friendships.  His gallantry and conspicuous service during the war was an inspiration to the younger troops who were sent up the line is replacements.  His death comes as a shock to all who knew him." 

            Sincere and unaffected tribute to the memory of a departed fellow officer and soldier was paid today  by Regt-Sergeant Major Jack of this city, formerly of the 2nd. Battalion, with which unit he served to France.   “Arthur, as he was known to the troops in France was the embodiment of courage and cheerfulness at all times. Scarcely a returned man of the 'originals' that did not know of the smiling lieutenant and his ready wit.   His bravery on the field of battle was unquestioned, and through his example, many a rookie had been able to withstand the gaff when the going was hardest”

 This newspaper story supplied by John Geen.

Return to Tribute list

Home

Contact