Military History

Johnston was only 18 years of age and his mother gave permission for him to enlist and serve overseas with the Australian Imperial Force (AIF). He first enlisted with the 28th Bn . 18th Reinforcements before transferring to the Artillery.
He encamped with Artillery Reinforcement at Guildford, WA. Johnston was sent for further artillery training to Maribyrnong 9.12.1916 –5.2.1917.
Embarked Sydney per ‘Osterley’ for England 10.3.1917.
Roll Rank Driver.
Roll Unit 10th Reinforcements 24th Field Artillery Brigade, 4th Division.
Johnston disembarked at Plymouth 11.4.1917 and marched in to Larkhill 11.4.1917.  He went AWOL at Southampton and was docked 13 days pay. After a period of intensive training, he proceeded overseas to France 17.10.1917. Johnston was transferred to the 3rd Army Brigade with the rank of Driver 23.10.1917 and moved into the Ypres Salient figting near the Beceleare (AIF War Diary 3rd AFB 23.10.1917). He served in France on the Somme. Johnston became sick 21.2.1918 with influenza. He rejoined his unit  2.3.1918.  The 3rd FAB fought at Dickibusche and Hollebeke on the Somme (AIF War Diary 3rd FAB March 1918) Johnston was transferred to the 103 Howitzer Battery  (no date). He became sick with influenza 21.10.1918 to 5.3.1919  and was listed for return to Australia. Johnston was admitted to No 8 General Hospital at Fremantle on disembarkation.
Embarked for Australia per ‘Nevassa’ 5.3.1919.
Returned/Disembarked Fremantle 20.4.1919.
Discharged 28.5.1919.
Final Rank Driver, 3rd Army Brigade Australian Field Artillery (AFA).
Medical Condition NK.
Awards and Medals British War Medal, Victory Medal.
Notes Johnston was admitted to Fremantle Hospital on arrival with influenza (21.4.1919-28.4.1919).
Three of his brothers also served in WW1, Edgar Charles (SN 1550), Frederick Marshall (SN 51999), Sydney St. Muir (SN 295). One of his brothers, E.B. Johnston, was a Federal Senator. Johnston went on to become a Doctor in Wiluna.
Photo  A. Johnstone Western Mail 26.4.1918
            RMAS 'Osterley' 1917. Photographer Josiah Barnes, photograph source AWM PB0793
            Ypres-Comines Canal near Hollebeke 1917. Photographer unknown, photograph  donated by the Imperial War Museum, source AWM H15913D
            Artillery Line at Villers-Bretonneux 1918. Photographer unknown, photograph source AWM E02926
            No 8 General Hospital Fremantle 1917. Photographer unknown, photograph source AWM H11718

Information Source
AWM PB0793. RMAS 'Osterley' 1917. Photographer Josiah Barnes, photograph sourced from the Pictorial Collection of he Australian War Memorial
AWM H15913D. Ypres-Comines Canal near Hollebeke 1917. Photographer unknown, photograph donated by the Imperial War Museum, sourced from the Pictorial Collection of the Australian War Memorial
AWM E02926. Artillery Line at Villers-Bretonneux 1918. Photographer unknown, photograph sourced from the Pictorial Collection of the Australian War Memorial
AWM H11718. No 8 General Hospital Fremantle 1917. Photographer unknown, photograph sourced from the Pictorial Collection of the Australian War Memorial
AWM4- 13/31/38, AIF War Unit Diaries, HQ 3rd AFAB, October 1917
AWM4- 13/31/43, AIF War Unit Diaries, HQ 3rd AFAB, March 1918
AWM Embarkation Roll, A.L. Johnston
Guildford Grammar School Honour Roll
NAA: B2455, Johnson A L
Western Mail





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