Thrandeston History Group

Frederick JOHNSON (1895 - 1916)

Frederic was born in Thrandeston in 1895 to Alfred and Laura JOHNSON. Frederic was 1 of 5 children, 1 of whom died in infancy and another Walter who also died in the Great War. Frederic’s birth was registered without “K” at the end of his first name. Most of the records found for him do not have “K”, although the records kept by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission have added it.

Frederic’s mother died in 1898. She gave birth to a child in 1898 who died too, so it is possible that she died in childbirth. His father Alfred married Mary Ann Brumstead in 1899.

In 1901 Frederic was 5 years old and he was living with his family at Little Green School House in Thrandeston. His father was listed as a Grocer/draper and it is known that his father ran the post office & shop which is now Honeysuckle Cottage. His stepmother Mary was the school mistress.

Frederic’s attestation records that he signed up for service on 16 November 1915 and served with the Durham Light Infantry. It records the following information for him:

Name: Frederic JOHNSON
Age: 20 years 6 months
Occupation: Agricultural Labourer
Chest measurement when fully expanded: 35½ inches
Chest measurement range of expansion: 2¾
Vision: 6/6 (this is very good)
Physical development: Good

Frederic was killed in action on 5 November 1916 at the age of 21. He is commemorated at Thiepval memorial in France. He received the British and Victory Medals.

His memorial reads:

In Memory Of
Corporal
FREDERICK JOHNSON
Service Number: 5604
1st/6th Bn., Durham Light Infantry who died on 05 November 1916
Remembered with Honour
THIEPVAL MEMORIAL
Pier and Face 14 A and 15 C.
COMMEMORATED IN PERPETUITY BY THE COMMONWEALTH WAR GRAVES

Thiepval Memorial (CWGC)

Frederick’s father wrote to ask if he could wear his son’s medals on special occasions as a mark of respect to him. The reply that he received reads:

“I have to inform you that it is not in order for you to wear your late son’s decorations whatever”.

Frederic left a handwritten will in which he left his possessions to his stepmother. It is said by his family that his stepmother had a very loving relationship with her stepchildren.

A service in memory of Frederic was held in Thrandeston Church on the afternoon of 3 December 1916.

(Acknowledgement and thanks to Steve Leverett, great nephew of Frederic JOHNSON for the photograph and some information. Steve was invited to and attended the centenary memorial at Thiepval as Frederic’s representative.)