William Russell Johnston

     William Russell Johnston was born on Sunday, 31 January 1897 at Manilla, Victoria Co., Ontario, Canada. He appeared on the census of 22 April 1901 in the household of Benjamin Johnston at Mariposa Twp., Victoria Co., Ontario, Canada. He was listed as: Johnston, William R, male, white, son, single, born 31 Jan 1897 in Ontario, age 4, of English origin, Canadian, Methodist, able to speak English. He appeared on the census of 1911 in the household of Benjamin Johnston at Mariposa Twp., Victoria Co., Ontario, Canada. He was recorded as: Johnston, Russell, male, son, single, born Jan 1897 in Ontario, age 14, of English origin, Canadian, Methodist, attended school for 9 months, able to read, write and speak English. He began military service on 6 October 1915 at Toronto, York Co., Ontario, Canada, when he signed his attestation papers, becoming regimental #201200, with the 95'th Batallion. He was single, born in Manilla, bank clerk and he states his mother, living in Manilla, as his next of kin. He was deemed fit for service and described as: 5' 4" tall, fair complexion, brown eyes, brown hair, Methodist. He had a 1/4" scar back of head left side, listed as a distinguishing mark. William died on Saturday, 5 May 1917 at No. 6 Casualty Clearing Station, France, at age 20 years, 3 months and 5 days, a casualty of the War. The burial register states he died of wounds, and the Books of Rememberance state it was during the taking of Hill 70, Ypres, Broodseinde Engagement. He was a private with the Canadian Infantry (Central Ontario Regiment), with the 3'rd Batallion. He was buried at III. A. 15., Barlin Communal Cemetery Extension, Pas De Calais, France.