Frank Cecil Johnson, born on 30th December 1893, was admitted to King Edward’s School in September 1902. The family lived at 52, Alcester Road, Moseley (and later at College Road), and his father, Richard, was an engineer. Frank’s brother, Richard, also an Old Edwardian, served with the Royal Engineers and survived the war.
At School, Frank was a capable student, performing strongly in French. His only reported sporting activity was his loss in the Gymnastics Competition of 1908 to EB Alabaster, despite Alabaster having an injured leg and being forced to omit one of the events completely.
In 1914, Frank enlisted as a Private Soldier in the 2nd Birmingham Pals Battalion (15th Royal Warwickshire Regiment). After serving for 20 months in France, he reached the rank of Sergeant. He was killed in action at Oppy Wood on 1st July 1917, and is buried in Roclincourt Military Cemetery.