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JOHNSON, William Archer (1897-1966) – Worcestershire Regiment

Pte William Archer Johnson (No 45148) enlisted in the Worcestershire Regiment on 21st January 1917.  There is no available information on his battalion or service, but he did receive the Silver War Badge (No B155038) as he was discharged on 21st March 1919, after being wounded.  He did serve overseas, but there is no record as to a location. 

According to his short obituary in the Parish Magazine, he lost a leg in the War and suffered almost constant pain for the rest of his life.  He ran a drapery business in Port Street, Evesham from the late 1930s to the 1950s, which became known as ‘The Baby Shop’. In 1939 he was living at 58 Port Street and was recorded as a Children’s Outfitter.  

His first wife, Margery Rose, née Reeves, died in 1955 and he later married Violet Cox née Bennett, about a year before his death.  He died in 1966 and was buried in Bengeworth Cemetery on 12th July, alongside his first wife.  

Towards the end of his life, he lived in a bungalow on Pitchers Hill (now 38A).