Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

The G.S.M. with ‘Iraq’ clasp awarded to Private H. Johnson, 2nd Battalion, Manchester Regiment, who was killed in action by the Arabs at the V.C. action of Hillah, 24 July 1920

General Service 1918-62, 1 clasp, Iraq (89357 Pte. H. Johnson. Manch. R.) suspension loose, otherwise nearly extremely fine £300-£400

Harold Johnson served during the Great War with the Loyal North Lancashire Regiment in Gallipoli from 15 October 1915. He subsequently transferred to the 2nd Battalion, Manchester Regiment and served with them in Iraq.

Private Johnson was killed in action with Arab insurgents at Hillah on 24 July 1920. As part of the campaign against Arab insurgents in Iraq in the Kifi - Kufa area on the Euphrates south of Baghdad, a column was despatched. The column commanded by Brevet Lieutenant-Colonel R. N. Hardcastle, D.S.O., Manchester Regiment, consisted of three companies of the 2nd Battalion Manchester Regiment; two squadrons of the 35th Scinde Horse; two sections of the 39th Battery Royal Field Artillery; one company of the 1/32nd Sikh Pioneers; and one section of the 24th Combined Field Ambulance. On 24 July 1920 whilst in the process of preparing a camp for the evening, a large number of insurgents were reported to be approaching. Misled over the actual numbers advancing, an ill-advised decision was made to retreat. The column headed towards Hillah but in a confused night action, the column became disordered and in many places chaos ensued. Elsewhere men fought bravely and and several decorations were won, including a posthumous V.C. awarded to Captain George Stuart Henderson, D.S.O., M.C. & Bar, 2nd Battalion Manchester Regiment.

Private Johnson is commemorated on the Basra Memorial, Iraq.

Sold with copied research.