Pte William Johnson, 269206, 1/1st Battalion Hertfordshire Regiment, was killed in action on April 28th, 1918, during the German spring offensive. He was aged 33.

William's death was not recorded in local newspapers until the Beds & Herts Tuesday Telegraph of September 2nd, 1919, said his death was by then presumed. On the day of his deaath he went out with a message under very heavy shell fire.

He is commemorated on the Luton Roll of Honour and in the Book of Life compiled at Luton Parish Church. He is also commemorated on the Luton Co-op War Memorial now housed at the Royal British Legion Club in Leagrave. He had been employed at the Co-operative Society store in Park Street.

In the 1911 Census William was living with parents John Edward and Emma Susan Johnson at 36 May Street, Luton, and is described as a baker's assistant. He married Ruth Wray in Luton in 1915 and the couple had a home at 26 May Street. Following William's death Ruth returned to live with her parents at 65 Park Road West [now Strathmore Avenue].

William had enlisted in 1916 and went to France the same year. His death report said he left a widow and a widowed mother.