238794 Pte. Herbert William Johnson British Army 2nd Btn. Essex Regiment from:Ongar, Essex (d.23rd March 1918) Herbert Johnson is one of my relatives who lost their lives in the Great War. I am a history teacher originally from Essex, now living in Pembrokeshire; and I am researching my relatives who served in the world wars for my grandparents. All information shared comes from things they have kept such as marriage, death certificates and old photos etc.
He was the son of Emily and William Johnson, and he married Annie Elizabeth Johnson around 1903. They lived in Lindens cottage, Fyfield, Ongar, Essex.
Herbert was a private in the 2nd Battalion, Essex Regiment.
He served in France and was sent home from the war injured, but was nursed back to health in England and was sent back to France, where he is reported to have died missing in action. He was 37 when he died on 23rd March 1918, and was reported missing in action, but his body was reportedly never found.
My grandparents have letters Herbert sent to his wife and letters that Annie sent to Herbert in return. In these letters is a document from the headquarters sent to Annie explaining that any possessions of Herbert's found would be sent to her, but nothing of his was ever found.
After brief research on Herbert, I have discovered that he is remembered on the Arras memorial cemetery in France, which I strive to visit one day. I have medals of his and also photos of him and Annie and letters sent between them. I thank him and all other men and women who served and lost their lives in the wars for fighting for our country. Rest in peace.
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