William Henry Johnson

Private William Henry Johnson – Royal Army Service Corps (attached Royal Artillery)

Early Life

William Henry Johnson was born in 1918, the son of William James Johnson and Florence A. Coe, who had married in 1915.

1921 Census

The 1921 Census records the Johnson family living at 58 Port Tennant Road, Swansea. William James (37) was employed as a boiler furnaceman at King’s Dock, while Florence (28) managed the household. They had two children: Annie May (5) and William Henry (1). Also living in the home was Florence’s mother, Annie Coe (70).

Military Service

William enlisted in the Royal Army Service Corps, where he was attached to the Royal Artillery. The Royal Army Service Corps was vital to the British Army during the Second World War, providing essential transport and supply services to front-line units. Serving in this capacity, William played a part in ensuring the Army could continue to operate effectively.

Death

South Wales Daily Post

Tragically, William’s service was cut short. On 20^th July 1941, he was fatally injured in an accident while stationed in Surrey. His death was later reported in the South Wales Daily Post. He was just 23 years old.

Burial

William Henry Johnson
Danygraig Cemetery
credit - findagrave

Private Johnson was laid to rest in Danygraig Cemetery, Swansea. Unlike many Commonwealth war graves, his resting place is not marked by a standard military headstone. Instead, his family chose to commemorate him with a private memorial, a reflection of their personal grief and remembrance.

Legacy

Though his death came not in battle but through a tragic accident, Private William Henry Johnson is remembered as one of the many servicemen who gave their lives in the course of duty during the Second World War. His grave at Danygraig Cemetery serves as a reminder of both the human cost of war and the different ways families chose to honour their loved ones.