Have You a Tiger In Your Family?

Rank : Captain

Army Number : 5856

Unit : 1st Bn, Depot

Biography :

Ernest Johnson joined The Leicestershire Regiment in about 1900, serving with 1st Bn in South Africa, India, England and Ireland. He was promoted Corporal in 1908. He was at the Depot in 1911 and promoted Sergeant on 13.5.1912. Back serving with 1st Bn in 1913. He later served with 1st Bn Leicestershire Regiment during World War One, entering France on 12.9.1914 as a Sergeant. As a Company Sergeant Major he was awarded the M.C. (L.G. 3.6.1916). He was commissioned 2nd Lieutenant in the Regiment on 6.8.1917, and later served as a Captain in a Training Brigade.
He died in 1922, aged 39 years.
He was the brother of 2Lt William Johnson (KIA), CQMS George Johnson, Sergeant Frank Johnson, Sgt Walter Frank Johnson (KIA), Private Herbert Johnson and LCpl Harold Johnson (KIA) of the Regiment.

One of seven brothers who served in the Leicestershire Regiment during WWI - three of whom were killed and four wounded. The Leicester Post published an article about this military family on 27.19.1916, and The Daily Mirror published an article on their front page leader on Thursday 9.11.1916, which was headlined:

'SEVEN SOLDIER BROTHERS - THREE KILLED AND FOUR WOUNDED'

'A remarkable record of military service is provided by the sons of Mr and Mrs Johnson of Tudor Road, Leicester. Ernest, who had been awarded the Military Cross, and William both won their commissions in the field, while the latter, who had eighteen years service to his credit, fought in the Boer War. The Company Quartermaster Sergeant also served in South Africa and received the Kings medal with two clasps. Frank was wounded so badly that his left leg had to be amputated.'

Brothers:

2nd Lieut William Johnson - Killed
Sgt Walter Frank Johnson - Killed
LCpl Harold Johnson - Killed
2nd Lieut Ernest Johnson MC - Wounded
Pte Herbert Johnson - Wounded (twice)
CQMS George Johnson - Wounded
Sgt Frank Johnson - Wounded

This page was last updated by MKG on 3.3.2019.

Date of Birth : 1883

Place of Birth : Leicester

Date of Death : 22.9.1922

Period of Service : 1900-1919

Conflicts : WW1

Places Served : South Africa, India, England, Ireland, France