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Very long shot, but I am trying to find out where my grandfather Richard JOHNSTON (1891-1955) was during the First World War, and specifically why he wasn't in the armed forces. He married my grandmother in 1914, so I suppose this might be a reason.  BUT for decades there has been intense family speculation, rumour and downright refusal to talk.  Hints have been made about a hidden history but, as often happens, all the main proponents are now dead.
His 2 younger brothers both died on the fields France tragically within 48 hrs of each other.  My grandfather had strong links to Ireland, particularly the Drumcondra area, and my father (deceased) remembers him spending protracted periods of time there in the 1930s for reasons which were never explained.   My grandfather was extremely taciturn and never spoke of his younger life.

His parents were Anne and James Johnston.  I would be very grateful indeed if anyone anywhere knows anything!

Hi Suzi!  I wonder whether you are aware of this link< http://www.merseysiderollofhonour.co.uk/obits/14/149172.php

In the meantime I will make further enquiries.

Hello, H C Schwarze! Yes, I knew some of this, but I had forgotten a lot of it.  Two years ago, I went to the church in Lpool where Mary Jane and Christian were married and felt quite sentimental. Then a curate appeared and told me that most of it had been rebuilt after bombing.  I went to Stanley Street where Mary Jane had lived with her father (a Wine Merchant! Hmm. I wonder) and her sister with the complicated name.  I thought that The Lodger was a naphtha manufacturer? I didn't know he'd gone into the wet fish business. How strange. I knew nothing of Fischers on Walton Lane. I DID know about Anne Jones, but I can't remember how I know this or who told me.  When did Mary Jane die? Do you know?  Heartbreaking about Charles Christian poor thing. 

Thank you so very much for this fascinating insight. My poor old ancestors. It amazes me that I am here at all. I will definitely try to get a copy of the book you recommend. It is high time I made a visit to Liverpool. Again, many thanks.

Thank you very much!  So, a sugar baker was a labourer in a refinery most likely.  I suppose there were other refineries in Liverpool.  I don't suppose you happen to know what a naphtha rectifier did?  I have just found out that this is what Heinrich Schwarze claimed to be.