William's Story.
Private William Johnson of 2nd Btn Cheshire Regiment (7347) died on 11th March 1901. He is buried at President Brand Cemetery, Bloemfontein, South Africa.
What do we know about William?
His entry in the army's Deceased Soldiers Effects lists his father Meli Williams as next of kin.
Winsford Tribute Medal
In June 1901, the town of Winsford issued a tribute medal for soldiers who had served in South Africa. This article in the Northwich Guardian, 29th June 1901, describes the presentation of a silver medal (similar to the one below) to William's family:
"Presented by the town of Winsford to William Johnson in recognition of his patriotism and valour in serving in the Transvaal War as Private in the V.C. 2nd Cheshire Regiment”
What do we know about William?
His entry in the army's Deceased Soldiers Effects lists his father Meli Williams as next of kin.
Winsford Tribute Medal
In June 1901, the town of Winsford issued a tribute medal for soldiers who had served in South Africa. This article in the Northwich Guardian, 29th June 1901, describes the presentation of a silver medal (similar to the one below) to William's family:
"Presented by the town of Winsford to William Johnson in recognition of his patriotism and valour in serving in the Transvaal War as Private in the V.C. 2nd Cheshire Regiment”
MEDAL DISTRIBUTION.
At half-past ten Lord Dundonald re-entered the room, and was again heartily cheered. The distribution of medals, subscribed to by the town in recognition of the services of the Yeomen and Volunteers, then took place.
Mr Cooke occupied the chair, and explained that there were two classes of medals – silver and bronze ones. The silver ones were for the Yeomanry and Volunteers belonging to Winsford, and the others for those who had been associated with the town and had been connected with the 22nd Company Imperial Yeomanry. For instance, Dr FELTON, who resided in this district originally, went out as a trooper, and not only did his work as a trooper, but also as a surgeon, without any pay. They were recognising his services and a few others like Sergeant-Major BARRATT. Mr Cooke then called out the names of the recipients: –
Sergeant-Major BARRATT
Sergeant HOPLEY
Trooper H.P. RIGBY
Trooper J.K. COOKE
Trooper STUBBS
Trooper Dr FELTON
Father of Trooper CARRICK (deceased)
Private HULSE
Private S. BENNETT
Private O. RIGBY
Private PLANT
Private R. BENNETT
Private TIMPERLEY
Private ROBERTS
Private HATTON
Father of Private JOHNSON (deceased)
Private (Ambulance) F. CURZON
Private (Ambulance) D. McKELVIE
As each man ascended the platform he was loudly cheered. In handing them the town’s gift, Lord Dundonald had a personal chat with each as to his South African experiences, and in the case of the parents of CARRICK and JOHNSON he offered consoling words, and warmly shook them by the hand.
Mr Cooke thought his lordship had distributed the medals to the satisfaction of everybody. (Hear, hear). Winsford had been exceptionally honoured in his visiting the town, and he was sure those present would give him three hearty cheers, and that would be some recompense and some recognition for the trouble he had taken.
The cheers were enthusiastically given, followed by the singing of “For he’s a jolly good fellow”.
On silence being restored, Lord Dundonald said it had been an intense pleasure to him to distribute the medals to those great men. It was a sort of medal he prized, and he envied them. It was a recognition of the town that their duty had been well done, and, moreover, was a gift they might hand down from generation to generation.
DESCRIPTION OF THE MEDALS
On one side of the medal was the figure of a Yeoman on horse back and a Volunteer, and around the border the words: The Transvaal War in South Africa, 1900-1901. The reverse, in the case of the Volunteers, contained the inscription: “Presented by the town of Winsford to _______ in recognition of his patriotism and valour in serving in the Transvaal War as Private in the V.C. 2nd Cheshire Regiment”; and in the case of the Yeomanry: “Presented by the town of Winsford to _______ in recognition of his patriotism and valour in serving in the Transvaal War as a Trooper in the 22nd Imperial Yeomanry”.
(Northwich Guardian)
William's name appears on the Boer War Memorial in Winsford, erected in 1905.
Researched by S. Lewington 2025.
William's name appears on the Boer War Memorial in Winsford, erected in 1905.
Researched by S. Lewington 2025.