Military History

Embarked Fremantle per ‘Ascanius’ A11 for Egypt 29.6.1915.
Roll Rank Private.
Roll Unit 28th Battalion Australian Imperial Force (AIF).
Johnson disembarked at Egypt. After a period of intensive training, he joined the Mediterranean Expeditionary Force (MEF) at Alexandria and embarked per ‘Ivernia’ for Gallipoli with 1st Reinforcements 28th Battalion. 4.9.1915. He was reported as sick at ANZAC and was transferred to hospital at Mudros. Following the evacuation from Gallipoli, he embarked per Hospital Ship (HS) ‘Varsova’ for Alexandria 19.12.1915. Johnson was struck off strength 9.2.1916. He returned to duty 6.3.1916. After some reorganization of the Bn. Johnson joined the British Expeditionary Force (BEF) at Alexandria and embarked for France 16.3.1916. He disembarked at Marseilles 21.3.1916. The 28th Bn. moved to Armentieres, also known as the 'Nursery Sector', although many were wounded here. Johnson was slightly wounded(possibly Armentireres) in France 29.5.1916. He rejoined his unit and was wounded a second time in action at Pozieres in France 29.7.1916- receiving a shell wound to his nose. He was transferred to the 1st Anzac Rest Station. Johnson was promoted to Lieutenant Corporal on the 13.8.1916. He was transferred to England to join No. 4 Officers Cadet Bn. 15.10.1916. Johnson was appointed 2nd Lieutenant. Australian Imperial Force (AIF) 25.1.1917. He proceeded overseas to France to rejoin his Battalion. The 28th Bn. fought at Vimy Ridge in April 1917as part of the battle of Arras. Johnson was wounded a third time11.4.1917  and taken as Prisoner of War to German . He was held at Lazerett Internment Camp. The gunshot wound to his abdomen and buttock, were noted to have taken 4 months to heal. Johnson was repatriated to England 31.12.1918. After a period of convalescence he was listed for return to Australia.
Embarked for Australia per ‘Anchises’ 28.2.1919.
Returned/Disembarked Albany 7.4.1919.
Discharged/ Appointment terminated 10.6.1919.
Final Rank Lieutenant. 16th Battalion Australian Imperial Force (AIF).
Medical Condition NK. (POW and wounded twice)
Awards and Medals 1914 –15 Star, British War Medal, Victory Medal.
Notes Johnson served in WW 2 in Singapore.

Photo   Johnson K.L. Image from WW1 Pictorial Honour Roll Tasmania, sourced from ww1gravesecrets.net joh.html
              HMAT 'Ascanius' 1914. Photographer E.L. Mitchell, photograph source AWM H16157
              Pozieres Battle Field 1916. Photographer unknown, photograph source AWM E05391
              28th Bn establishing a Signal Station at Vimy Ridge April 1917. Photgraph from the Canada Dept of National Defence, Library and Archives Canada, PA-0001096
              HMAT 'Anchises'. Photographer A.C.Green, photograph sourced and reproduced with permission of Great Southern Postcards
             
Information Source
AWM Embarkation Rolls Keith Littlewood Johnson
AWM 28th Bn. https://www.awm.gov.au/unit/U51468/)
AWM Red Cross Files
CNDLAC, PA-0001096. 28th Bn establishing a Signal Station at Vimy Ridge April 1917. Photograph sourced from the Canada Dept of National Defence, Library and Archives Canada, https://www.flickr.com/photos/lac-bac/6813488644/
Great Southern Postcards.HMAT 'Anchises'. Photographer A.C.Green, photograph sourced and reproduced with permission of Great Southern Postcards
Guildford Grammar School Honour Roll
NAA: B2455, Johnson K L
WW1 Pictorial Honour Roll Tasmania. Johnson Keith Littlewood.Image sourced from ww1gravesecrets.net joh.html

‘Esperanza’ Harvey. WA.
 

Associated Images