Old Photograph Annan Scotland

Old photograph of vintage buses, cars, shops and buildings in Annan, Scotland. Annan stands on the River Annan, just fifteen miles from Dumfries, in the region of Dumfries and Galloway on the Solway Firth in the South of Scotland. Lieutenant Colonel George Johnston was born on 19 January 1764 in Annan. He as the son of Captain George Johnston, aide de camp to Lord Percy, later the 5th Duke of Northumberland. Percy obtained a commission for the 12 year-old Johnston as second lieutenant of marines on 6 March 1776. Johnston went to America with his regiment, and took part in the Battle of Bunker Hill during the American Revolutionary War, where he distinguished himself by seizing the colours and carrying them into action after the standard bearer had been mortally wounded. During the fight, his father received a chest wound, from which he subsequently died. The Duke of Northumberland, who had held Johnston's father in high regard, became Johnston's guardian. He subsequently acted as a recruiting officer in the United Kingdom before served aboard HMS Sultan in the East Indies in 1781, and suffering a severe wound in action against the French. Returned to garrison duty in Portsmouth, England, he volunteered to join the New South Wales Marine Corps, which would accompany the First Fleet to New South Wales. He sailed for Australia aboard the convict transport Lady Penrhyn in 1788. On 26 January 1808, Johnston played a key role in the only successful armed takeover of a government in Australia's recorded history, the Rum Rebellion, working closely with John Macarthur. Johnston led the troops that deposed Governor William Bligh, assumed the title of lieutenant governor, and illegally suspended the judge-advocate and other officials. He died much respected on 5 January 1823.



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