Also Served: Henry Johnson Prescott - Henry Johnson PRESCOTT
Stone Cottages, Eccleston Lane Ends Lance Corporal 241404, 2/5th Bn, South Lancashire Regiment Henry was born in St Helens around 1888.
In the 1911 census, he and his family were recorded at "Arch Cottages", Eccleston Lane Ends. As well as his wife Ann (nee Watkinson), who he had married in 1910, he had a 6 month old daughter, Alice Foster Prescott, and a step son from Ann's first marriage, Ronald Watkinson, aged 2. Another son, also called Henry Johnson Prescott, was born in 1912
Henry enlisted into the army on 8th April 1915, aged 27. He was originally allocated service number 3708 and was initially posted to the 3rd Battalion, South Lancashire Regiment. His occupation was listed as 'Coal Miner'.
I believe he went overseas in early 1916, at which time he was transferred to the 2/5th Bn of the Regiment.
In February 1917, the Territorial Force was renumbered and Henry's new number was 241404. On 13th August 1917, he was appointed to the rank of Corporal
The Battalion War Diary reports the award of a Military medal to Corporal Johnson (below)
In September 1917, the London Gazette announced the award of the Military Medal to Henry.
In January 1918, Henry suffered from a bout of "trench fever" which resulted in him being returned to the UK for treatment. Records show that he returned to duty at Barrow on 6th March 1918. After this he did not go back into service but was posted back to work at Sutton Colliery, though remaining in the army.
Henry was then fully discharged on 14th January 1919, aged 31. The reason for his discharge was noted as "Service no longer required", and he was issued with a Silver War Badge.
In addition, Henry was entitled to the British War Medal and Victory Medal, receiving these on 4th February 1922
Ref. No.: A1544
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