JOHNSON, Thomas

Thomas Johnson was born at Oldswinford and was a pre-war regular soldier in the 2nd Battalion of the Worcesters. His mother lived at 9 Theatre Road, Stourbridge, and he attended St. Joseph's School and the Roman Catholic Church. He had probably been a reservist in 1914 who was called up to join his battalion at Aldershot in the BEF. He saw a great deal of serious action from Mons to Ypres but after its losses at Loos the 2nd Battalion had been in a quiet sector. They joined the Battle of the Somme for its second phase which started on the 14th July. They attacked High Wood, where the Germans had already repulsed several British attempts. It was well defended and was approached over open fields. The Worcesters tried several times during a week in the front line but had not dislodged the enemy before they were withdrawn. Their casualties exceeded 300 and among the killed in action was Private Thomas Johnson. He was 26 years of age and is commemorated on the Thiepval, Stourbridge, Roman Catholic church and St. Joseph's RC school Memorials.