Current Information:

Born-Dublin

Enlisted-Woolwich

Bailleul Communal Cemetery, France

On 21st February, 1915, the 1st East Kent (Buffs) battalion of 16 Brigade, 6th Division, moved into the trenches at Rue de Bois near Fleurbaix in France where they remained until relieved on 27th February. Thomas Johnstone died from wounds on 24th February but the battalion diary recorded practically nothing about this period in the line. The attrition rate among British soldiers on the Western Front was on average 300 each day and 60% of these were as a result of shellfire. When not involved in an actual battle it was either shell fire or a sniper’s bullet that caused most deaths and injuries.