He was 27 years old, and on 3 October 1918 at Ramicourt, France, he performed the gallant act, for which he was awarded the Victoria Cross.

Johnston was a sergeant in 1/5th Battalion, The Sherwood Foresters (The Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire Regiment), British Army during the First World War.

Johnson worked his way forward under very heavy fire, and single-handed charged the post, bayoneting several gunners and capturing two machine guns.

With wonderful courage he bombed the garrison, put the guns out of action, and captured the teams.

His Victoria Cross is displayed at the Sherwood Foresters Museum, Nottingham Castle, England.