William Johnstone was the son of Robert and Rose Elizabeth Johnstone, of Isla Bank, Southland, New Zealand.

Promoted to Corporal on 1 April 1915

On 20 October 1916, after his recovery period, William Johnstone returned to base camp at Etaples, France and rejoined his regiment on 8 November near Armentieres.

"In March 1917 William was appointed temporary Lance Corporal. The attack and capture of the Messines-Wyshaete Ridge was planned for 7 June. At 12.30am all troops were in position in their trenches. The battle began with the detonation of 19 large mines under the German lines and within the hour New Zealanders had captured Messines. William Johnstone was severely injured in the process, receiving gun shot wounds to his neck and spine, resulting in paraplegia. He died on the Ambulance Train." (Church, p.64)

"The Johnstone family suffered a double loss because the third son Robert Muir, Sergeant 23/795, 1 Battalion, 3 New Zealand Rifle Brigade, lost his life on 27 September 1918 in the Battle of the Canal du Nord (27 September-1 October). He has no known grave and is listed on the Grevillers New Zealand memorial, Pas de Calais, France." (Church, p.65) AWMM