J. A. (Kirkham) Johnston was born in Chirnside, Berwickshire, on 24th June 1895. His father, James Charles Johnston, was a music teacher and organist , who was born in Meerut, India. He was originally married to Marion-Helen Amos who died of exhaustion and TB on 31st October 1893. He then married Kirkham’s mother, Emily Margaret (surname unknown) at Pevensey, in Sussex England on 12th September 1894.

Kirkham’s father died in 1932 after serving for 35 years as the Abbey Church organist in Coupar Angus. Kirkham Johnston was educated at Perth Academy and Blairgowrie High School. He enlisted in Dundee in January 1916.

Blairgowrie Advertiser, 21st October 1916. “COUPAR ANGUS SOLDIER DIES OF WOUNDS"

“Mr and Mrs Johnston, Beechhill House, have received the sad intelligence that their only son, Private Kirkham Johnston, Black Watch, had died of wounds sustained in the recent fighting. It appears that Private Johnston, whose excellent shooting abilities had been recognised with the result that he was placed on sniping duty, was severely hit in the leg. He lay for some considerable time, until removed to a dressing station, where amputation was performed. He seemed to be progressing favourably, and was able to dictate a letter home. This finished, he suddenly collapsed, and died. Prior to enlisting he was engaged in an architect’s office in Dundee, and for a brief period acted as organist at St. Anne’s Church, Coupar Angus.”

Berwickshire News and General Advertiser, 31st October 1916. “CHIRNSIDE NATIVE’S DEATH"

“L-Corpl. Jas. Alex. Kirkham Johnston, Black Watch, has died of wounds received in action on Oct. 13. His left leg was shattered by shell. Amputation followed, and death ensued from shock and loss of blood on the field. His grave in a Village Cemetery in France is marked with a cross indicating his name and Regiment. Born at Chirnside 21 years ago, the young soldier received his training as an Architect in Dundee, and, inheriting his father’s musical talent, was also Organist of Episcopal Church, Coupar Angus. In Jan. last he enlisted in the Black Watch, and after a period of home training at Ripon was drafted to France about 3 months ago. He was only son of Mr J. C. Johnston, who was appointed Organist of Chirnside Parish Church in 1885, from which he was translated to Edrom Parish Church, where he remained till 1897, when he received his present appointment as Organist of Parish Church, Coupar Angus. Berwickshire extends deep sympathy to the gallant young soldier’s people.”

Extract from the War Diary of the 4th/5th Black Watch, October 1916

“THIEPVAL, 10th. The Battalion moved to the Old German Line at THIEPVAL the front line being the southern face of SCHWABEN RED. There was much heavy shelling with pipsqueaks and H.E. “AUTHUILLE BLUFFS,

12th. The Battalion moved to the AUTHUILLE BLUFFS, River ANCRE for a brief rest in preparation for attacking SCHWABEN REDOUBT on the morrow. "There was a good deal of shelling about the valley, one shell going through a dug-out and killing two men and wounding several others.”

Although there is no definitive record of how Kirkham Johnston lost his life, it is very likely that he was one of these casualties and died of his wounds in the 49th Casualty Clearing Station at Contay. He was buried in Contay British Cemetery, near to where he died in the Somme sector of the Front. He was 21 years of age.

Kirkham Johnston is also commemorated on the Coupar Angus Abbey Church War Memorial; the Blairgowrie High School War Memorial; and the Civic Roll of Honour in Coupar Angus Town Hall.