Johnson, John Leslie (Corporal, b.1902 - d.1941)

Collection relating to the Second World War service of VX42266 Corporal John Leslie Johnson. Collection consists of a typed manuscript (with loose amendments) containing typed transcripts of correspondence between Cpl Johnson and his wife (Josephine) and family. It has been compiled and annotated by Johnson's children, particularly his son, Len. It describes training in Albury, troopship journey, camp at Dimra in Palestine, and experiences at Tobruk (where Johnson was killed in May 1941) with the 'Bush Artillery' and a Carrier platoon. The letters from his wife and children show what Johnson's service meant to the community of Walwa and to the family, and give an indication of how their daily lives were affected by the separation. The manuscript includes photographs, and excerpts from newspapers, war diaries, action reports, and the journal 'Mud and Blood'. The manuscript includes typed transcripts of condolence letters, reminiscences by Johnson's children of their reactions to their father's death, and mentions the devastation and the hardships of the following years. The difficulties faced by Johnson's widow after his death are described in J Arnold, "Mother Superior Woman Inferior" (Melbourne, 1985).

Also see 'Love letters from a war : the letters of Corporal John Leslie Johnson and his family, June 1940 - May 1941 / Len Johnson' held in the Memorial's collection at: 940.548194 J67.