FAMILY LIFE

Herbert Richard Johnston was born in1891 in Bega, son of Roland (Rowland) & Jane Ann (Waterson) Johnston, one of 7 siblings. His father had died in 1910. He was single farmer, living in Crabbes Creek, eager to do his bit. He travelled to Lismore on 23^rd August 1915 to complete his application which showed his next of kin as his mother, Jane Johnston of Crabbes Creek.

APPLICATION

His medical showed he was 24 years 6 months old, 5ft 9 ½ inches tall (1.77m), weighed 10 stone 7 lbs (67kgs), with a fair complexion, greyish eyes & fair hair. The Examining Medical Officer stated that Herbert “can see the required distance with either eye; his heart and lungs are healthy; he has the free use of his joints; and he declares he is not subject to fits of any description. I consider him fit for active service.”  On the second page of the Attestation Paper, he made the following oath in the presence of the Attesting Officer: “I, Herbert Richard Johnston, swear that I will well and truly serve our Sovereign Lord the King in the Australian Imperial Force until the end of the War … SO HELP ME, GOD.” 

He was Church of England and was enlisted as a private into the 25 Infantry Battalion – 8^th Reinforcements with service No 3551

25TH INFANTRY BATTALION

The 25th Infantry Battalion, part of the 7th Brigade, 2nd Division of the Australian Imperial Force, was raised in March 1915 at Enoggera, Queensland. Their service is remembered for their resilience and contributions to key victories

TRAINING AT RIFLE RANGE CAMP, ENOGGERA

As was the case with men from the Northern Rivers district in New South Wales, they trained at Rifle Range Camp, Enoggera near Brisbane. The Barracks Block was built as accommodation for men in two dormitories, each 36 feet by 22 feet (10.97 x 6.7 metres). Beds or bunks were not provided, instead each man slept on a palliasse with ground sheet on the floor. For many it was their first time away from home. Men from every walk of life, from clerks and teachers to factory and shop workers, were crammed together

Now the new recruitments training began. Firstly, the men received their vaccinations for smallpox, rabies & plague. Richard received his on the 6^th September, 17^th September and the last on 22^nd November. Then a recruit had to be inducted into military forms of discipline, command, and order. This was partially achieved through a program of basic training carried and, in a sense, was maintained for a long as a man was in the service.

It involved marching and drilling with the rifle, cleaning and caring for personal equipment and being supervised and inspected in ways quite different to ordinary civilian life. For example, no boots should be allowed to get in a bad state of wear but must be sent to the bootmaker without delay for repair. Men who were found with hair long and unshaven had to have a haircut and shave

Secondly, after basic training there followed the far more serious exercise of turning a man into a fighting soldier at least partially prepared for the kind of warfare he was about to experience overseas

The topics and exercises in the syllabus of training were a world away from their former lives and included daily physical training, entrenching, wiring, firing rifle grenades, firing the Lewis light machine gun, dealing with gas attack, using hand grenades, using the bayonet, and the routines to be followed in the trenches.

This training was then put into practice during what were called ‘Field Days,’ when men would practice using the skills they had acquired in mock attacks both by day and by night. How well men had learnt to use their weapons, in cooperation with each other in training, would be tested in the harsh reality of the front line. Training would take several months.

VOYAGE OVERSEAS

On the 3^rd January 1916, the recruits left Brisbane, sailing upon the HMAT Kyarra. The epic voyage across the ocean has been described as “the longest journey to war in the history of the world.” They thought it was the start of a new adventure- for many it was their first time so far away from home. However, after some time at sea the biggest problem turned out to be boredom. On-board, Officers organised rigorous training drills and exercise sessions for the men. They were expected to do their own washing, sweep the decks and carry out other chores

Attempts at breaking up the boredom, apart from the regular drill, varied. Shipboard activities included regular church parades and concerts. Troops engaged in lifebelt drill; a cookhouse on deck; soldiers on fatigues peeling potatoes 'spud bashing'; going to the dentist; barber, pay day; soldiers cleaning personal equipment; medical inspection. Sports and recreation included boxing, deck quoits, draughts. Also, the commanding officer's morning inspection; kit inspections; submarine drill; recreation such as the on deck 'open air' library, deck billiards, pillow fighting and card games including Nap. As well, conditions on the ships were cramped and the risk of illness was constant. 

Three hearty meals a day were served; breakfast usually consisted of porridge, stew, and tea. Lunch included soup, meat, vegetables, and pudding. Meat, bread with jam and tea was served for dinner. Many of the troops experienced bouts of seasickness on the voyage. The crossing the Equator ceremony, ‘Neptune’s Journey,’ was played-out on each troopship.

EGYPT AND TRANSFER TO 2^ND PIONEER BATTALION

Herbert arrived in Egypt in March 1916 and was transferred to the 2^nd Pioneer Battalion, taken on strength 2^nd March 1916. I now find the records unable to be read- according to them he leaves Alexandria on 19^th March and arrived in Marseilles on 26^th March but the 2^nd Pioneer are still in Egypt so I do not know who he was with.

PIONEER BATTALIONS

Pioneer Battalions were dual-purpose units. They were trained and equipped to serve both as infantry and as combat engineers. Their main tasks were technical and manual labour under battlefield conditions, including:

·      Trench construction and repair

·      Dugouts and bunkers

·      Barbed wire entanglements and obstacle.

·      Bridges and crossings.

·      Roads and tramways

·      Defensive structures

Infantry Support (Secondary Role)

Although trained as engineers, they were also trained and equipped to fight, and could be used as reserve infantry in emergencies or attached to attacking units for immediate post-attack work like consolidating captured positions or constructing trenches.

Specialist Duties

·      Battlefield clearance – recovering the wounded, burying the dead, and salvaging equipment.

·      Camouflage and concealment – building screens or fake structures.

·      Mine and booby trap clearance – particularly during German withdrawals.

·      Construction in rear areas – building camps, stables, headquarters, and sanitation systems.

WESTERN FRONT & TRENCH WARFARE

The 2^nd Pioneer Battalion arrived in France at Marseilles late June, then moved to the Armentières sector in northern France for its initial Western Front operations. They now found themselves among soldiers fighting the Germans in trench warfare. On the Western Front in 1914–1918, both sides constructed elaborate trench, underground, and dugout systems opposing each other along a front, protected from assault by barbed wire. The area between opposing trench lines (known as "no man's land") was fully exposed to artillery fire from both sides. Attacks, even if successful, often sustained severe casualties. Trench warfare created a living environment for the men which was harsh, stagnant, and extremely dangerous. Not only were trenches constantly under threat of attack from shells or other weapons, but there were also many health risks that developed into large-scale problems for medical personnel. Apart from the inescapable cold during the winters in France & Belgium, trenches were often completely waterlogged and muddy, and crawling with lice and rats

The time soldiers spent in the trenches varied depending on factors like their army's rotation system and the intensity of the conflict in their sector. On average:

·      Front-line trenches: Soldiers typically remained here for about 4–6 days at a time. This was where the fighting was most intense and the conditions were the harshest.

·      Support and reserve trenches: After time on the front line, soldiers were rotated to these positions for around 6–12 days. These trenches were set further back and offered slightly better conditions.

·      Rest periods: Soldiers were then moved away from the trench system entirely for rest, training, and recovery, often lasting several weeks, depending on operational needs.

The rotation system helped prevent complete physical and mental exhaustion, but the constant dangers of trench life meant there was rarely any true respite.

JULY 1916 TO MAY 1917

The 2nd Pioneer Battalion was serving on the Western Front in France, attached to the 2nd Australian Division, and was engaged in a mix of combat engineering, frontline support, and rear-area construction during this period.

JULY 1916 – ARRIVAL AT THE FRONT

After arriving in France in June 1916, the battalion moved into the Armentières sector for acclimatization and early trench duties.

They undertook trenches, dugouts, and strongpoint construction, often under fire. The battalion also worked on communications trenches, salvage operations, and road repair.

LATE 1916 – BATTLE OF THE SOMME (POZIÈRES / MOUQUET FARM)

The 2nd Pioneer Battalion was involved in the Battle of Pozières (July–August 1916). The built and repaired trenches under shellfire, dug communication trenches between the front and rear lines. They carried out burial duties and battlefield clearance after major assaults & continued support during operations around Mouquet Farm (August–September 1916).

LATE 1916 – EARLY 1917 – WINTER OPERATIONS

As winter set in, the battalion continued working on drainage and duckboard paths, shelters, and revetments as well as transport infrastructure like roads and tramways. They were involved in supporting operations in areas like Flers, Le Transloy, and the Somme Valley, supporting front-line troops during static winter warfare.

MARCH–APRIL 1917 – GERMAN RETREAT TO THE HINDENBURG LINE

The Germans conducted a strategic withdrawal to the Hindenburg Line, and the AIF followed up. The 2nd Pioneers were heavily involved in repairing destroyed roads, bridges, and railways, constructing tracks and forward posts and clearing mines and booby traps. They supported the advance toward Bapaume and Lagnicourt.

MAY 1917 – SECOND BATTLE OF BULLECOURT

They were involved in the Second Battle of Bullecourt (May 1917), part of the Arras Offensive. The 2nd Pioneers were tasked with digging and maintaining communication trenches, constructing forward positions for attacking troops, salvage, and casualty evacuation under shellfire. Their work was dangerous — performed close to the front under frequent artillery bombardment.

MILITARY MEDAL 3^RD/4^TH MAY 1917

During this action Herbert was awarded a Military Medal for conspicuous service. The notice stated on the night of 3^rd/4th May 1917 two men, one of whom was Herbert, answered the call for volunteers to carry a wounded comrade ¾ miles back through two enemy barrages. Fire was exceptionally heavy and the task demanded high courage and resolution. Private Johnston was himself wounded by machine gun fire on the way. Locality was from the sunken road in front of railway embankment to dressing statin at Noreuil. It was published in the Commonwealth of Australia Gazette No 189 of 8^th November 1917

WOUNDED IN ACTION 3^rd MAY 1917

Herbert was wounded on the 3rd May with gunshot wound right forearm & front right forearm

HOSPITALISATION ENGLAND

On 19^th May he was sent to England on the West Australia and spent between 20^th May 1917 & 30^th July in the 3^rd Auxiliary Hospital, Dartford.

FURLOUGH & COMMAND DEPOT

On 14^th August he was given furlough and then reported to No1 command depot at Perham Downs on 19^th August. Here he would convalesce but continue with drilling & training as the technology and techniques were rapidly changing and soldiers had to be up to date when they were ready to rejoin their units.

HOSPITALISED NASAL CATARRH OCTOBER 1917

However, he was admitted to the Military Hospital, Sutton Veney 30^th October to 15^th November 1917 with nasal catarrh. During this time, on 28^th November 1917, he had dental work done to make him dentally fit

NO 1 COMMAND DEPOT

On 2^nd December he was marched into No 1 command depot at Perham Downs which received men who are likely to be fit for duty within three weeks. Again, his drilling & training would continue daily whilst he was convalescing.

REJOINED UNIT JANUARY 1918

On 5^th January 1918 he rejoined his unit in Belgium and the battalion returned to the Somme valley and helped to stop the German spring offensive in March and April. They rotated between frontline engineering work, rear-area construction, and camp maintenance. Activities included road and trench maintenance under freezing and muddy winter conditions, laying duckboard laying to improve troop movement in waterlogged terrain. Construction of defensive posts, dugouts, and machine gun emplacements were undertaken & they assisted in burying communication cables to protect them from shellfire. They cleared and repaired light railway lines for moving supplies to the front.

HOSPITALISATION INFLUENZA JUNE 1918

On 25^th June Herbert was admitted to hospital with influenza. This could be a devastating disease & resulted in more deaths than the Great War itself. Victims could develop a deadly type of pneumonia and would suffer from headaches, aching muscles, a persistent, dry cough, fever, weakness, a sore throat, and blood poisoning but by 20^th July Herbert was well enough to rejoin his unit.

JULY TO OCTOBER 1918

Between July and October 1918, the 2nd Pioneer Battalion played a vital engineering and support role during the final phase of World War I — known as the Allied Hundred Days Offensive.

During this time, the battalion was attached to the 2nd Australian Division and was active in support of major offensive operations, including the Battle of Amiens, Mont St. Quentin, and the final push toward the Hindenburg Line. Key areas included:

·      Amiens

·      Villiers-Bretonneux

·      Mont St. Quentin

·      Péronne

·      Bellicourt

·      St. Quentin Canal sector

JULY 1918

In preparation for the Battle of Amiens they

·      Constructed and repaired roads, bridges, and ammunition dumps.

·      Dug assembly trenches and built plank roads for advancing tanks and artillery.

·      Helped in concealing troop and equipment movements in preparation for the August offensive.

AUGUST 1918

BATTLE OF AMIENS (8–11 AUGUST 1918):

·      Supported the main attack by rapidly repairing roads and bridges under fire to keep up supply and artillery lines.

·      Built and widened tracks for artillery and field ambulances.

·      Assisted in clearing battlefield debris, removing obstacles, and salvaging equipment.

·      Moved forward as Australian infantry advanced up to 8 miles in the first few days.

POST-AMIENS:

·      Constructed forward supply dumps, water points, and casualty clearing routes.

·      Repaired captured enemy positions for use by Allied forces

SEPTEMBER 1918

BATTLE OF MONT ST. QUENTIN / PÉRONNE (1–2 SEPTEMBER):

·      Repaired bridges over the Somme River to support infantry and transport.

·      Built and reinforced forward roads for rapid troop movement.

·      Assisted in converting German defences for Australian use.

ADVANCE TOWARD THE HINDENBURG LINE:

·      Cleared mines and booby traps in abandoned German positions.

·      Helped lay telegraph and telephone lines during the advance.

OCTOBER 1918

HINDENBURG LINE OPERATIONS (ST. QUENTIN CANAL, BELLICOURT):

·      Supported final attacks by constructing roads, trench crossings, and bridges under shellfire.

·      Performed salvage and logistics work in newly captured areas.

·      Began moving into rest and reserve positions as the AIF was withdrawn from the line in late October for rest.

LEAVE IN ENGLAND NOVEMBER 1918

Herbert was given leave to England from 2^nd November 1918.

WAR ENDING

The end of the war was in sight and on 11^th November the fighting was officially over so he prepared to return to Australia. After the Armistice, the Australian Prime Minister Billy Hughes insisted Australian troops be repatriated (returned home) as quickly as possible. This logistical challenge was enormous with 135,000 troops brought home from Britain in 147 voyages, and 16,773 troops from the Middle East in 56 voyages, mostly on a first come, first go basis. There was a lack of suitable ships to transport personnel home and many had to wait several months before they were headed back to Australia.

GOING HOME

Herbert returned to Australia on the Nestor, disembarking on 6^th July 1919. He was discharged 13^th September 1919.

FOR HIS SERVICE

For his service, John was awarded the 1914-15 Star, British War Medal, and the Victory Medal and his name is recorded on the St Martin's Church Great War Honour Roll Mullumbimby.

HOME LIFE

Herbert married Myrtle Susannah Parrish in 1919 in Murwillumbah and they had two sons, & one daughter. Herbert died 20^th May, 1956 in Mullumbimby and is buried in Mullumbimby Lawn Cemetery

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