Lionel Johnston, No.2 Commando

[Photos and additional information courtesy of his nephew Steve Robson].

Lionel Robson Johnston, service number 14329144, volunteered for No.2 Commando whilst with the Lancashire Fusiliers as part of the BNAF. After being accepted and passing the training he was attached to No.2 Commando 5 Troop on 29 January 1944. He became known as 'Geordie' Johnston in 5 troop. Eric Buckmaster, himself a former member of 5 troop, recalls Lionel as "6' 2" quite sturdy and physically as hard as nails. He came from the North East and had the delightful accent that comes from that Region. He definitely joined 5 Troop and was a very likeable man"

On the 29th July 1944 Lionel was wounded during Operation Healing II in Spilje, Albania. He returned to the UK in May 1945 with No.2 Commando. As the Commandos were gradually being demobbed and disbanded, he was moved to No.6 Commando and later to 11 West Yorkshire where he took his motorcycle training. Posted Corps of Military Police (NC) and ended up in London. In September he was sent to Egypt (Alexandria) where he remained until his return to the UK and subsequent release from the army in 1947. Fusilier Lionel Johnston died on the 11th August 1948 (ref.CA8)