| Johnson | Charles Reginald | | Lieutenant | JOHNSON, CHARLES REGINALD, Lieutenant, was born 23 December 1876, son of Lieutenant Colonel C H Johnson, MP, of Thorngumbald, Yorkshire, and of Mrs I Johnson, of Hull, Yorkshire. He was educated at Clifton College, and entered the Army 29 July 1896, in the Royal Engineers in which he was promoted Lieutenant 29 July 1899. He served in South Africa, 1899-1902, taking part in the advance on Kimberley, including actions at Belmont, Enslin, Modder River and Magersfontein; operations in the Orange Free State, February to May 1900, including operations at Paardeberg, actions at Poplar Grove and Driefontein; operations in the Transvaal, west of Pretoria, July to November 1900, including action at Frederickstad; operations in Orange River Colony, May to July 1900: operations in the Transvaal and Orange River Colony, 1900 to 1902. He was mentioned in Despatches [London Gazette, 29 July 1902]; received the Queen's Medal with five clasps; the King's Medal with two clasps and was created a Companion of the Distinguished Service Order [London Gazette, 31 October 1902]: "Charles Reginald Johnson, Lieutenant, Royal Engineers. In recognition of services during the operations in South Africa". He was employed as Instructor at the Royal Military Academy, August 1903 to September 1904, and as Assistant Adjutant, Royal Military Academy, September 1904 to September 1905. He was promoted Captain 29 July 1905, and was from September 1905, to the end of 1908, an officer of a Company of Gentleman Cadets at the Royal Military Academy. From 1909 to 1913 he commanded the 2nd Field Troop, Royal Engineers, which was stationed at Potchefstroom, South Africa. He was promoted Major 30 October 1914. Major Johnson served in the European War, 1914-18. From October 1914 to March, 1916, he commanded the 2nd Field Squadron Royal Engineers, of the 2nd Cavalry Division, and took part in the First and Second Battles of Ypres; from April 1916 to January 1917, he was employed at Aldershot; from February 1917 to March 1919, he was CRE of the 4th Division, and took part in the final advance in October and November 1918. He was wounded twice; was mentioned in Despatches five times; was given the Brevet of Lieutenant Colonel, and created a CMG (1919) for his services. He also has the Order of St Stanislas, 3rd Class. Lieutenant Colonel Johnson married, in 1904, Ida, daughter of F A Hutchinson, of Preston, Yorkshire, and they had two sons.
[CMG], DSO, QSA (5) Bel M-R, Paard Drief Trans (Lt RE), KSA (2) (Lt RE), [1914 trio, Legion dHonneur. Order of St Stanislaus (Russia) 3rd Class with swords]. Lusted 1974 £36. Dixon 1994 £950. Dixon 1999 £1,175 (DSO, QSA, KSA).
Source: DSO recipients (VC and DSO Book) | Royal Engineers |
