Johnston, George Mitchell
Rank: Captain
Regiment: Royal Irish Rifles
Biography: Son of Alexander Johnston, merchant ; born Aberdeen, 8 July 1890 ; educated Aberdeen Grammar School ; matriculated in Science (Agricultural), 1907, and had a distinguished career as a student. Though quiet and reserved in manner he was one of the best known and most popular students at Marischal College. During his School and College career he was a notable Rugby forward, and he served in "U" Company while at the University. He graduated B.Sc. (Agr.) in 1911. After graduation he spent a time gaining experience in Canada and then acted as an Assistant County Organizer, North of Scotland College of Agriculture. He was appointed Agricultural Lecturer and Superintendent of the State Experimental Farm, Jersey, in 1913. On the outbreak of war Johnston obtained a commission with the Jersey Militia, but his ardent spirit and high sense of duty led him to seek service with a fighting unit. Despite objections and difficulties raised by authorities in Jersey, who wished to retain his services in the island, with the help of the Governor, he transferred with the Foreign Service Company of the Militia to the Royal Irish Rifles, with which he served first in Ireland and then in England. He proceeded to France in 1915 and was killed in action at Hulluch on 3 April 1916.
Date of Death: 03 April 1916
Burial Details: Buried at Vermelles British Cemetery, Plot 2, Row G, Grave 19.
Publication: Roll of Service, edited by Mabel Desborough Allardyce. Published 1921.
If you have photographs of anyone listed in the Roll of Honour (preferably in service uniform) or have any questions about this resource, please email memoriam@abdn.ac.uk.