Source: Michael Doyle Their Name Liveth For Evermore: The Great War Roll of Honour for Leicestershire and Rutland.
He was the son of Arthur Johnson, a coal mine engine winder, born 1864 in Swannington, Leics., and his wife Sarah Johnson (nee Robinson, married 1887), born 1867 in Swannington, Leics. Joseph Arthur was born in 1894 in Swannington, Leics., his siblings were, Albert J., born 1888, John William, born 1889, Grace Dorothy, born 1892, Thomas Henry, born 1896 and Benjamin, born 1900, all his siblings were born in Swannington, Leics., in March 1901 the family home was at 1, Brook Terrace, Swannington, Leics. In April 1911 Joseph was employed as a colliery banks man, and was residing in the family home at Main Street, Swannington, Leics., together with his parents, and siblings, Albert, a colliery driver, John, a colliery boiler cleaner, Grace a post girl, Thomas and Benjamin, Walter, born 1900, Fred, born 1906, George, born 1907 and Eva Annie, born 1908, the latter four siblings were all born in Swannington, Leics.
On Friday May 14th 1915 The Melton Mowbray Times & Vale of Belvoir Gazette published the following article under the heading. “THE ROLL OF HONOUR.” – LEICESTERSHIRE REGIMENT CASUALTIES.
The following casualties in the Leicestershire Regiment are reported from the Base, under date 25th April:-
KILLED.
1st Battalion
Kelham (7058), Lance Corpral E.
5th Battalion (T.F.).
Allen (1175), Private W.
DIED OF WOUNDS.
1st Battalion.
Eaton (6427), Private J. H., Johnson (10005), Private J. A.
5th Battalion (T.F.).
Boot (1600), Private J.S.
WOUNDED.
1st Battalion.
Calver (7611), Private J.
5th Battalion (T.F.).
Braybrook (2916), Private W., Colver (494), Corporal W., Crisp (2190), Private W. A., Evans (2208), Private W., Kernick (8001), Company Sergeant Major J. C., Percival (1584), Private A., Reid (2275), Private A. S., Webster (1333), Private T.
The War Diary for this day records that after relieving the 1st Battalion of the East Kent Regiment (The Buffs) on the 12th April, the Battalion were in the trenches at Rue du Bois, sixteen heavy Howitzer shells at 11.00am, no damage done.

Source: Leicestershire War Memorials Project.
Coalville Times article - Friday May 7th, 1915

It is reported that Pte. J. A. Johnson, of the 1st Leicesters, has died of wounds received in action on April 16th. His parents live in Main Street, Swannington.

Coalville Times article - Friday February 18th, 1916

SWANNINGTON MEMORIAL SERVICE

The Whitwick and Thringstone Citizen Corps, under Commander G. F. Burton, together with the Scouts, under Scoutmaster Armstrong, and the Swannington Scouts, on Sunday morning attended the memorial service at St. George’s Church, where the Rev. G. Robinson, the vicar, preached a special sermon on patriotism and sympathy with the relatives of the fallen soldiers of his parish, viz., Privates J. A. Johnson, Wm. Wardle, Walter Shaw, Alfred Smith, and _____ Buckley. Citizen Company Sergeant-Major J. Lester read the first lesson, and Citizen O. Geary the second. Miss Atkins ably played the Dead March in “Saul,” and two scouts sounded the “Last Post.” Corporal Toon and Private Robinson, both soldiers on active service took the Citizens’ salute on their return march.

Research undertaken and submitted by Andy Murby 8/10/2017