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William Johnson (Australian politician)

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Preceded by
  
Henry Willis

Occupation
  
Coachbuilder


Nationality
  
Australian

Succeeded by
  
William Fleming

Name
  
William Johnson

William Johnson (Australian politician)

Died
  
30 July 1916 (aged 44–45)

Political party
  
Australian Labor Party

William James Johnson (1871 – 30 July 1916) was an Australian politician and soldier.

Born in Yass, New South Wales, he received a primary education before becoming a coachbuilder. He was involved in local politics as a member of Auburn Council. In 1910, he was elected to the Australian House of Representatives as the Labor member for Robertson, defeating Henry Willis. He held the seat until 1913, when he was defeated by William Fleming, representing the Commonwealth Liberal Party.

Johnson enlisted as a Private on 14 August 1915 and served in the Second Battalion in France. While there, his Division was addressed by then Prime Minister of Australia Billy Hughes and former Prime Minister Andrew Fisher, then serving as Australian High Commissioner to Britain, and Hughes recognised Johnson in the crowd. The former colleagues were seen laughing and reminiscing for some time. Johnson was killed in action two weeks later.

References

William Johnson (Australian politician) Wikipedia