Born in 1876, Pte Johnson had previously served from 1894 to 1906 in the 1st Battalion Loyal North Lancashire Regiment. He saw active service in the Boer War and was awarded the Queen's South Africa Medal with Cape Colony clasp and the King's South Africa Medal. He re-enlisted into the Loyal North Lancs Regiment on 18th August 1914. He was sent on active service fairly promptly. He was captured soon after, at either Mons or Le Cateaux, and incarcerated at Wittenberg for the rest of the war. During this time a Russian fellow inmate embroidered a handkerchief as a 'souvenir of my captivity'. The handkerchief is dated 1914, 1915, 1916, 1917 - but not 1918 - as the Russian was repatriated before the war ended. Johnson was awarded the 1914 Star, the British War Medal, and the Victory Medal. On 14th April 1919 he was stood down to the Z Reserve. He died in either 1933 or 1934. || Framed embroidered handkerchief; discharge certificates (1902, 1906 and 1919); Framed 1918 letter from George V || || Memorabilia || Pte John Johnson was a Prisoner of War from 1914-1918 at Wittenberg. A Russian fellow inmate embroidered a handkerchief as a 'souvenir of my captivity'. The handkerchief is dated 1914, 1915, 1916, 1917 - but not 1918 - as the Russian was repatriated before the war ended. || John Johnson || Prisoners of War

Private William (Willie) Parkinson was born 30th August 1899 and enlisted into the 11th Battalion Lancashire Fusiliers in 1816. When it was discovered he was underage, he was placed in a training unit, the 6th Reserve Battalion Lancs Fus, until he was of age. At this point he was transferred to front line duties. On the 27th/28th May 1918 there was a massive German offensive that included an attack on the section of the River Aisne where Pte. Parkinson was stationed. He was killed during the attack on the 27th, while defending a stretch of higher ground, near Muscourt on the south side of the river. The battalion was annihilated by the German offensive. Prior to going on active service he sent a letter to his sister, Pollie. In it he mentions the penknife that he was awarded on 12th February 1918 'for cleanest equipment in No. 3 Platoon'. His mother, Ann, made up a memorial package, including family photos, to celebrate Willie after his death. On it she states he was killed at Metz. The memorial silk in the assembly also states he was killed at Metz but the battalion history states it was near Muscourt. Private Parkinson was awarded the Victory medal and the British War Medal. He lies with his comrades at Marfaux British Cemetery. || Framed Victory medal, British War Medal, cap badge, photo in uniform, and bronze memorial plaque. Silk memorial ribbon. Memorial certificate. Memorial package (with inscription by mother) containing three large format family portraits. Letter from Pte Parkinson to his sister Pollie

Portrait of Frederick William Pear Hodges, c1922