Personal info
- Name: William Henry JOHNSTON
- D.O.B: 21st Dec, 1879
- D.O.A: 14th Sep, 1914
- D.O.D: 8th Jun, 1915
- Award: Victoria Cross
- Occupation at time of action: Captain, 59th Field Company, Corps of Royal Engineers
- Book: The Complete History - Volume 2
Missy-sur-Aisne, France 14 Sepember 1914
14 Sepember 1914
More details about:
The First World War 1914
The First World War 1914
To the west, just east of Soissons, the retreating Germans had destroyed the bridge over the Aisne at Missy. As troops of 5th Division crossed the river here on 14 September 1914 to attack German positions on the Chivres spur beyond, Captain W H Johnston, Royal Engineers, worked two rafts across the river throughout the day. He was assisted by Lieutenant Flint, who was awarded the DSO.
Citation
At Missy on 14th September under a heavy fire all day until 7 p.m., worked with his own hand two rafts bringing back wounded and returning with ammunition; thus enabling advanced Brigade to maintain its position across the river.