William Henry Atkinson

William Henry Atkinson was born in 1896 the son of John Thomas a coal miner and Florence Atkinson (née Bell). John Thomas was born in 1876 at Radford, Florence Bell in 1872 at Nottingham. Married in 1895, they had six children, four surviving infancy - Annie b.1895, William Henry b.1896, Sarah Ann b.1898 and Harry b.1911. In 1911, the family lived at 21 Bosworth Street, The Meadows, Nottingham. Annie was a hosiery mender. William Henry Atkinson married Gertrude Elizabeth Penniston in 1916 in Nottingham and they lived in the city at 114, Bunbury Street.

William Henry Atkinson enlisted at Nottingham initially serving (38911) in the Northumberland Fusiliers, later transferring to the KOYLI. He died of wounds and is buried in Terlincthun British Cemetery, Wimille, Grave Reference: XVI C 20

In memoriam 8th August 1918 in the Nottingham Evening Post :- 'ATKINSON. – Died of wounds, July 27th, 1918, Private William Henry Atkinson, K.O.Y.L.I., dearly loved husband of Gertrude Atkinson (née Penniston). Christ will link the broken chain closer when we meet again to part no more. – From sorrowing wife Gertie.' 'ATKINSON. – Killed in action, July 27th, 1918, Pte. W. H. Atkinson, K.O.Y.L.I. A noble life gone, let us hope not in vain. – From brother Tom and wife and family.' 'ATKINSON. – Died of wounds, July 27th, 1918, Private William Henry Atkinson, K.O.Y.L.I. A noble sacrifice. – Deeply mourned by his mother-in-law, brothers, & sisters.' Notices courtesy of Jim Grundy and his facebook pages Small Town Great War Hucknall 1914-1918