| There is some doubt as to whether James and John Johnson were brothers.
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| The History of Coagh booklet lists Private James Johnston as having served with the Canadian Expeditionary Force in the war.
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| James Johnston was the son of Thomas and Martha Johnston. Thomas Johnston and Martha Shaw were married on 10th January 1882 in the district of Cookstown.
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| Known family: Thomas Johnston, Martha Johnston, James Johnston (born 19th May 1883), John Johnston (born 4th July 1885), Sarah Johnston (born 19th June 1887), George Johnston.
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| James Johnston emigrated to Canada or USA around 1901.
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| Prior to enlisting, James lived at Lipperville, Pennsylvania, USA with a brother, George Johnston.
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| James Johnston enlisted on 27th September 1917 at Toronto, Canada. He was a labourer by trade. He was 34 years old. He gave his next-of-kin as his mother, Martha Johnston, who lived Ballydawley, County Londonderry.
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| Private Johnston joined the Y&S Foresters. After initial training Private Johnston left with his unit for Scotland on 18th December 1917. His ship arrived in Glasgow on 31st December.
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| Private Johnston was later relocated to southern England,
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| From the Mid Ulster Mail dated 2nd February 1918: Coagh
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| Private James Johnston, Canadian Forester Corps, has paid a visit to his parents at Ruskey. Seventeen years ago Private Johnston emigrated to Canada, where he remained up to last year. He then enlisted and later was sent to England. From thence he came home, prior to his leaving for France. He is in fine spirits and looking well.
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| He latterly joined the joined 2nd CMR (2nd Battalion of the Canadian Mounted Regiment?) on 21st August 1918.
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| It seems Private Johnston never actually got to France.
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| Private James Johnston was demobilized 24th March 1919 and returned to Canada.
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| In his will made on 1917, he left all to his brother George.
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| Last Will and Testament dated 20th September 1917:
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| James listed his brother George Johnston as his benefactor, who was living at Lipperville, Pennsylvania, USA, which is in the Philadelphia area.
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| James Johnston died on 5th February 1964 at Shaughnessy Hospital in Vancouver, British Colombia, Canada. He was 78 years old.
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