William Johnstone (VC)

Johnstone was not in England when Queen Victoria held the first VC investiture at Hyde Park, London, on 26 June 1857.

The medal was sent for presentation to the Commanding Officer of HMS Brunswick, who returned it to the Admiralty on 16 October 1857, Johnstone having died nine weeks earlier.

[6] His RN records in the UK National Archives show he was a Leading Stoker until May 24, 1856 when he was demoted to Ship's Cook until his demise.

The reason for the demotion is not given, but given his good character throughout his career at sea, it is assumed by his descendants that there was cause to place him in such a lowly position on board.

A pencil sketch exists in the Imperial War Museum's catalogues pertaining to information on Victoria Cross winners.