In 1901, the Johnston family were living at Buchanty Road, Methven, Perthshire: Father, Alexander Johnston (Doctor of Medicine), b.1859, Killarrow, Argyll; Mother, Georgina Catherine, b. 1859, Markinch, Fife; Son, Alexander, b. 1888, Glasgow, Lanarkshire; Son, Oswald, b. 1893, Methven; Daughter, Isabella, b. 1894, Methven; and Son, Landel, b. 1899, Methven. Also living at this address was Annie Philip (General Servant Domestic), b. 1879, Scone.

"DE RUVIGNY’S ROLL OF HONOUR“

JOHNSTON, LANDEL, L.-Corpl., No. 23252, 1/5th (Territorial) Battn. Princess Louise’s (Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders), yst. s. of Alexander Johnston, M.D., J.P., by his wife Georgina Catherine (daughter of John Oswald of Blinkbonny, Markinch, co. Fife). b. Methven co. Perth, 12 April 1899; educ. at Perth Academy; gained the Leaving Certificate of the Scotch Education Department, and was on the eve of entering medical classes at Glasgow University when he joined the 5th Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders 28th April 1917; served with the Expeditionary Force in France and Flanders from July to October 1918, and died at No. 8 Stationary Hospital, Wimereux, 15 October 1918, of wounds received in action at Wytschaete 29 Sept previously. Buried in Terlincthun British Cemetery, Wimille, north of Boulogne.

His Commanding Officer wrote “...Landel was one of the best lance-corporals...I knew him well, and along with many others, liked him immensely. He took great care with his section, and we could always rely on him for good work. His name had gone forward for a commission, and he told me he would not think of applying for one until he had some actual experience in company work. He did splendid work with us. The men loved him, and appreciated the example he set, and had he lived, he would have made a good officer. I wish you could have heard the honest, blunt, but very sincere expressions of some of the men about your son; you may well be proud of him.”

Extract from the War Diary of the 1/5th Argyll & Sutherland Highlanders, Sept. 1917

“26th: Capt. L. L. Shearer to R.A.F. – Secret orders for ‘C’ Coy. Arrive. ‘D’ Coy. relieved ‘B’ Coy. in Front Line. Daylight patrol from ‘B’ Coy. verified previous information on wire and ground in front ..."

“27th: Busy on operation order – Battn. H.Qrs moved to ‘D’ Coy. H.Qrs. 8 pm. – C.O.’s Conference – Orders for advance complete."

“28th: Battn. H.Q. moved to Crater 4 a.m. – enemy shelling commences 3.30 a.m. – attack commenced 3.30 a.m. – RED CHATEAU taken by ‘A’ Coy. 6.30 a.m. – 8 Prisoners. ‘D’ Coy. on left held up by M.G. fire – reinforced by ‘B’ Coy. at 10 a.m. – Battn. Line at noon ran N & S through GRAND BOIS to Northern Brickstacks – Battn. H.Q. in Centre of GRAND BOIS at 2 p.m. – Got in touch with K.O.S.B. (King’s Own Scottish Borderers) at 3 p.m. – Line advanced 3.30 p.m. – ‘B’ Coy. storms ZERO HOUSE taking a few prisoners – 2 A. Tank guns – 1 T.M. (Trench Mortar) (Granten Werfer) & 1 M. Gun – Right held up by M.G. fire on WYTCHAETE Ridge. Lieut. McGrory killed – 14, O.R. killed, & 47 , wounded. 23, O.R. missing."

“29th: 8th S.R. (Scottish Rifles) advanced at 5.30. a.m. ‘A’ and ‘B’ Coys. 5th A&SH at 5.45 a.m. acting as support. ‘D’ Coy. 5th A&SH and ‘W’ Coy. 8th S.R. in reserve. Very light opposition met with. Battn. H.Q. & reserve Coys. moved forward at noon, & Battn. took up position in depth as follows - ’A’ Coy. on right in ROSE WOOD. ‘B’ Coy. On left to WYCLIFFE Trench. ‘W’ Coy. S.R. & ‘D’ Coy. A&S.H. in support 500 yards behind Battn. H.Qrs. at DENYS WOOD – at 7 p.m. moved back to ZERO HOUSE in pitch darkness and heavy rain – everyone soaked."

“30th: Still raining and very cold...Strength with Battalion, - 15 Officers and 338 O.R.“ 

Although not mentioned by name, Landel Johnston would have been one of the men wounded during the action on the 28th or 29th, and removed to the Hospital at Wimereux, where he died of his wounds on 15th October. He was 19 years of age.

His parents were making arrangements to travel to France and bring him home but, unfortunately, they were too late.

Landel Johnston is also commemorated on the Methven Parish War Memorial.