He was a former grazier.
In WW1, he was a Lance Corporal in the 4th Battalion that took part in the opening attack on Turkish positions at Lone Pine on 6 August 1915. Such was the confusion it was known only that he lost his life sometime between 6 and 9 August.
The 4th Battalion suffered heavily during the Lone Pine battle with every officer hit, including the medical officer and the Dean of Sydney (the battalion chaplain) with the exception of the quartermaster. During the four day long action the battalion suffered 474 casualties.
http://www.anzacsite.gov.au/2visiting/graves/g_johnstonsjolly.html He is buried at JOHNSTON'S JOLLY CEMETERY, Turkey, Sp. Mem. 35.