Major-General George Napier Johnston, CB, CMG, DSO (20 August 1867 – 3 April 1947) was a senior officer of the British Army who served with the New Zealand Military Forces during the First World War.

An artillery instructor, he served in British India and in 1904 was placed on secondment with the New Zealand Military Forces for three years before returning to the United Kingdom.

After graduating from Kingston, Johnston accepted a commission with the Royal Garrison Artillery of the British Army and for the next ten years served in a variety of postings.

[3] On establishment of the New Zealand Division in 1916 Johnston was appointed commander of its artillery[1] and promoted to lieutenant-colonel while retaining his temporary rank of brigadier-general.

It supporting the troops for 56 consecutive days during the Somme battle by providing well coordinated barrages and counter fire which helped the infantry to take the majority of their objectives.

As ground conditions continued to deteriorate in the days leading up to the First Battle of Passchendaele, Johnston warned the commander of the division, Major-General Andrew Russell, that his artillery were not adequately prepared.

[7] During the Hundred Days' Offensive, which began in August 1918, the nature of the fighting changed from relatively static trench combat to more mobile and open warfare as the Germans retreated in the face of Allied advances.

[1] On his return to the British Army, Johnston reverted to his substantive rank of lieutenant-colonel and was appointed Commander Royal Artillery, 52nd (Lowland) Division.

[1][10] While serving with the 52nd Division he contributed an introduction to the history of the New Zealand Artillery during the First World War,[11] and was also made a Companion of the Order of the Bath.