Personal info
- Name: William Henry JOHNSON
- D.O.B: 15th Oct, 1890
- D.O.A: 3rd Oct, 1918
- D.O.D: 25th Apr, 1945
- Award: Victoria Cross
- Occupation at time of action: Sergeant, 1/5th Battalion The Sherwood Foresters (Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire Regiment)
- Book: The Complete History - Volume 2
The Beaurevoir Line, France 3 October 1918
3 October 1918
The First World War 1918
The British advance against the Hindenburg Line had begun on 27 September 1918. On 29 September Fourth Army crossed the St Quentin Canal north of St Quentin and, by 3 October, having overrun the Hindenburg Main Line and its Support System, was ready to attack its final feature, the Reserve Line, known here as the Beaurevoir Line. The 5th Australian Brigade advanced against it near Estrées. The Line then passed south between Joncourt and Ramicourt. Ramicourt was taken but among those killed was Acting Lieutenant Colonel B W Vann VC, 1/6th Battalion The Sherwood Foresters (see 29 Sept 1918 above).
Citation
For most conspicuous bravery at Ramicourt on the 3rd of October, 1918. When his platoon was held up by a nest of enemy machine guns at very close range, Sjt. Johnson worked his way forward under very heavy fire, and single-handed charged the post, bayoneting several gunners and capturing two machine guns. During this attack he was severely wounded by a bomb, but continued to lead forward his men. Shortly afterwards the line was once more held up by machine guns. Again he rushed forward and attacked the post single-handed. With wonderful courage he bombed the garrison, put the guns out of action, and captured the teams. He showed throughout the most exceptional gallantry and devotion to duty.