Passchendaele hero and leading lawyer is commemorated

A Passchendaele war hero who made a big impression on the local law profession has been honoured by a project aiming to raise awareness of the First World War.

Johnston Clark, managing partner of Blackadders, shared his memories of Peachy Johnston’s legal career after his name was added to the Great War Dundee Project’s roll of honour.

The project has held many events around the city to commemorate the centenary of the conflict.

Its roll of honour aims to show all those from Dundee who fought and died or survived.

The Courier recently told the story of the five Johnston brothers, a century on from the battle.

Frank, Walter, David and Peachy were artillerymen and John was an army doctor, with both Frank and Walter paying the ultimate sacrifice.

Mr Clark said: “Peachy Wilson Johnston, when he died in 1967, was senior partner of Reid, Johnston, Bell and Henderson, which was a predecessor firm of what is now Blackadders.

“Mr Johnston’s daughter survives and lives in Dundee.

“Many families and businesses, particularly farmers, for whom he acted, are still clients today.”

Mr Clark added: “Peachy Johnston was in business as a solicitor with his uncle David Johnston as Reid, Johnston and Co. One of the first of our many mergers was in 1934 with Bell and Henderson.

“He was the senior partner and the Johnston farming connection was prominent, north of Dundee into Angus.

“It was a different world – property transactions settled twice a year at Whitsun and Martinmas, technology including a pull bell to call for individual staff upstairs and one telephone in the hall.

“Mr Johnston’s driver dropped him at the door and collected him when required.

“Those who remember say the operation ran briskly, with a strong emphasis on being at his desk seeing clients who queued outside his door.”