Decorations China War Medal, Long Service Medal, DSM, 1914/15 Star Enlistment 17/01/1896 Next of kin address England More info William Johns was born on New Year's Day 1876 in Redruth, Cornwall and enlisted in the RN as a stoker at the age of 20. Later in 1896 he was drafted to the cruiser Hermione; she was commanded by Captain George Callaghan, who was C-in-C of the Grand Fleet on the outbreak of the Great War, and her officers included Lieutenant William Goodenough. She was deployed in China during the Boxer Rebellion and her crew received the China War Medal. Johns was one of a small number of men who received his medal from the King in person. Over the following years Johns had further drafts afloat and ashore, including the ill-fated cruisers Monmouth and Hogue. The Long Service Medal was awarded to him in 1911 when he was serving in the Cumberland. He was promoted Chief Stoker in 1913. In June 1914 he joined the new battleship Marlborough and was still serving in her at the Battle of Jutland. She was 21st in the line of 24 battleships and one of the first to open fire on the German fleet. She was credited with several hits. At 6.54 pm the Marlborough was hit by a torpedo which killed two stokers and resulted in flooding. She remained in action but had to reduce her speed. Later that night the flooding became more serious until there was serious concern that she might founder. Admiral Burney and his staff transferred to the Revenge and she detached to return to port. On the return passage she was attacked by a zeppelin and a U-boat but sustained no further damage. Johns was awarded the Distinguished Service Medal for his role in the battle. The recommendation for his award has not been located but, very likely, it was for damage control work. He retired in 1919.