Source: Leicestershire War Memorials Project.
Rifleman 6913246 Stanley Charles Johnston was born 22 Dec 1911 in Stepney, London. He joined The Rifle Brigade (Prince Consort's Own) on 14 Aug 1934, joining the 1st Battalion in Feb 1935. He became a Lance Corporal in Sep 1935 at first unpaid then in Aug 1936 he became a paid Lance Corporal. On 8 Apr 1940 at his own request he reverted back to being a Rifleman.
On the 22 May 1940, his brigade along with other Rifle Brigade's were sent to Calais as part of the B.E.F. Their objective was to hold back the Germans advance on Dunkirk, so that the British could consolidate their hold on Dunkirk. Basically a suicide mission, as the Military Chiefs had no intention of evacuating the men. Their situation was not helped by the fact that many of their armaments were not unloaded from the ship that took them, and sailed back to Britain. He was officially listed as missing on 29 May 1940, however it later transpired that he died on 25 May 1940 aged 28. He is buried at Calais Southern Cemetery.
On 31 Dec 1938 Stanley married Edna Clara Rice at St Paul's, East Ham, London. His death was not confirmed for her until a letter dated 23 Aug 1941 was sent to her.

Sumitted by A. Horton in November 2020