Trafford

Born during the March quarter 1882 in the Barton upon Irwell R.D. – ref:
8c/673,the son of Noah & Mary Ann Johnson (nee Bethell).    Their marriage
record states “Bithell”, but this is an error – it is “Bethell”.

1891 Census – 18 Bent Street, Barton, Eccles.   Son – aged: 9 –
Scholar – born: Flixton.    Head of household – Noah Johnson –
Married – aged: 40 – occ: Vocalist – born: Stretford.   Also – Mary
Ann Johnson – Wife – aged: 34 – occ: Weaver in Cotton - born:
Flixton.   Plus – 1 younger sister.

1901 Census – 37 Charlton Avenue, Eccles, Patricroft.    Son – aged: 19
– occ: Gas Engine Fitter Apprentice – born: Flixton.    Head of
household – Noah Johnson – Married – aged: 50 – occ: Vocalist
(Professional) – born: Stretford.   Also – Mary Ann Johnson – Wife
– aged: 44 – born: Barton.   Plus – 2 siblings and his paternal
grandmother.

1911 Census – 7 Primrose Terrace Crofts Bank Road Barton Patricroft.  
Son (listed as John Willie) – Unmarried – aged: 29 – occ: Fitter –
born: Flixton.   Head of household – Noah Johnson – Married – aged:
60 – occ: Vocalist (Professional) – born: Stretford.   Also – Mary
Ann Johnson – Wife – aged: 54 – born: Davyhulme.   Plus – 1 younger
sister and his maternal grandmother.

The 11th (Service) Battalion, The Manchester Regiment, served in the 34th
Brigade, 11th (Northern) Division.

I am most grateful to Neil Drum & Pete Thomas for allowing me to use
verbatim the following extract from their superb 623 page book "A District
at War - Irlam & Cadishead's Part in the Great War", an incredibly detailed
and comprehensive book that is not only a credit to them, but a magnificent
memorial to the WW1 men of that district.

He was the son of Noah and Mary Ann Johnson of 9 Talbot Road, Davyhulme,
Urmston and his father was a well known Baritone vocalist.   John resided
at 7 Primrose Terrace, Urmston and he had previously lived in Patricroft.  
He was initially employed at the CWS Soap Works in Irlam and is later
believed to have worked as a fitter at the British Westinghouse Company in
Trafford Park before enlisting at Manchester in 1914.   He enlisted, along
with a number of local men in November 1914.   The 11th Battalion
disembarked at Gallipoli on 14th July 1915 and on 6th August they took part
in the assault landings at Suvla Bay, Gallipoli.

John was wounded during fighting in Gallipoli and died on board a hospital
ship on Tuesday, 24th August 1915, aged 32 and buried at sea.   His name
does not appear on the Irlam and Cadishead War Memorial, but his link with
the district is signified by his inclusion in the 1917 Official Record and
Roll of Honour compiled by Joseph Cooke.    Medal Entitlement: 15 Star
Trio.