Your Memories
02.07.2008 : Lisa Jackson wrote
I only met Jim at the end of May as I was down on holiday in Kent with his brother Lawrence. Our timing couldn't be better as Jim was home from Afghanistan at the same time, Lawrence hadn't saw him for a while. I had a great time with Jim and Bernadette, most of which was spent in the pubs of Canterbury. They made me feel so welcome in their home, and wouldn't hear of us staying elsewhere. Even though they must have wanted some precious time together alone.
It was very clear that Jim and Lawrence had a very close bond, swapping army stories. Trying to out do each other as to who had been in the most dangerous situations. Jim made me laugh by saying the only dangerous situation Lawrence got into in Iraq was when he came up against the Iraqi police!
Even though I only knew Jim a few days, I found him hilarious. He had a wicked sense of humour. And he could pour a very large white wine!
I know Lawrence will miss him a great deal, it was clear to me that he was a very much loved wee brother.
04.07.2008 : Jean Coveney wrote
I am Jim's sister, I am heartbroken that Jim has been killed and can't imagine my life without him in it.... but Jim died doing the job he loved, he wouldn't of wanted it any other way.
All his life he has always put other people first and always gave everything he did 110 %. The Army was his life and he was deeply committed to his job.
I also was with Jim on the night in Canterbury for his birthday and the memories from that night will stay in my long with the heart forever, Jim and i dancing ( or should i say Jim trying to dance!) He is a wonderful brother and Uncle to ..Mark, Anthony and Samantha, Heather,Stephanie, KImberley, Ross and Jason.
Jim you will be in my heart forever, I miss and love you so much. R.I.P baby brother
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My life was so great because you were in it.
04.07.2008 : fiona mccrorie wrote
I'm sorry i don't have any memory as i never met the guy. All i can say is though it was definately my loss, my eldest son Gavin is a serving soldier with 2 Scots and is currently serving in Afghanistan, my thoughts & prayers are with James family & friends at this very sad time.
AT THE GOING DOWN OF THE SUN AND IN THE MORNING WE WILL REMEMBER THEM.
05.07.2008 : Andrea Dean wrote
It makes me so angry when i heard Lance Corporal James Johnson was killed on 28 June, 2008. My thoughts are with the family of each soldiers familes. It time Gordon Brown thought of the familes who lost their sons or husbands or daughters instead of trying to get votes. I would love to pen pal any one in army. Rest in peace to every soldiers who gave it their best shot in their job.
I would like to hear from any one, Andrea cheshire
08.07.2008 : debbie osgood wrote
My memory of Jim is that of a skinny little 8 year old with a lot of cheek!, I was best friends with his sister Jean & spent most if not all my time at their house, they were my second family. I knew Jim well as a young boy but I wish I had known him as the man he grew to be.
I was shocked, sickened & saddened to receive news of his death.
My thoughts are with all his family at this sad time.
To you Jim, another of our great heroes x
110th British soldier to die in Afghanistan
Lance Corporal James Johnson was killed on 28 June, 2008, by an anti-personnel mine in Afghanistan aged 31.
LCpl Johnson, who was known as Jimmy, was part of a vehicle checkpoint patrol operating in the Lashkar Gar area when he was killed.
He was serving with B Company, 5th Battalion The Royal Regiment of Scotland, and his death brought the number of British troops to die since the conflict began to 110 - 13 in June 2008 alone.
LCpl Johnson was born in Scotland on 3 June, 1977, and grew up in Chatham, Kent. He joined the 1st Battalion the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders in 1997 before joining the Assault Pioneer Platoon.
He put himself forward for a demanding Close Observation Platoon (COP) course in July 2001, showing himself to be extremely fit.
He served a successful tour with the COP in Belfast from 2001 to 2003. On the Battalion's re-rolling to 16 Air Assault Brigade LCpl Johnson volunteered for a Sniper Course and qualified as a Sniper Section Commander in December 2003.
His skills as an infantryman were second to none and he revelled in his role as a sniper. Since then he served again with the COP for a tour of Bosnia in 2005, the Sniper and Recce Platoons and latterly with the Heavy Machine Gun Platoon before transferring to B Company for Op HERRICK 8.
His father Lawrence said: "I am very proud of my son for being a soldier. It was his life. He always wanted to be in the Army since he was a small boy. He loved it."
James's fiancée, Bernadette Broadley, said: "He was my best friend and my fiancée. I am very, very proud of him being a brave soldier. I want him to be remembered for who and what he was."
Lt Col David Richmond, James's Commanding Officer, said: "LCpl Johnson has made the ultimate sacrifice; a superb soldier and junior commander he died doing the job he loved, among men who held him in the highest regard. He set the pace among his peers with his fitness, outstanding infantry and leadership abilities, native wit and sense of perspective. He was loved and respected by everyone he served with and will be remembered for his humanity, the time he always had for people whatever the pressures on himself, his keen sense of humour and, above all, his professionalism.
"LCpl Johnson was one of our stars for the future; his death is a tragedy and his loss is felt by the entire Battalion. We have lost one of our best; a true air assault infantryman, a gentleman, friend and colleague with spark, wit and courage. The courage and commitment that he showed every day in Helmand Province has been an inspiration to us all.
"I have been immensely proud to have commanded Jimmy Johnson on operations and humbled by the sacrifice he has made. My thoughts and sympathies and those of all ranks of the Battalion are with LCpl Johnson's fiancée Bernadette, his daughter Shannon and his family. He will be deeply mourned, but never forgotten."
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