Wednesday 16 January 2013

Private Harry Ellerton Atkinson

Born on 13 October 1888 in Millam, Cumberland, England - son of Edward Atkinson, Millam, Cumberland, England - attestation form notes current address in Vancouver, British Columbia, trade as clerk, single (married at the time of his death), no present or past military service, height of 5 feet 6.5 inches, chest of 36 inches, medium ruddy complexion, blue eyes, dark brown hair, Church of England.

Joined the 121st Canadian Infantry Battalion on 2 March 1916 (number 761119) - taken on the strength of the 38th Battalion in France on 15 November 1916 - killed in action on 9 April 1917 - name listed on the Vimy Memorial, France.

(Updated with a photo of Pte Atkinson's inscription on the Vimy Memorial that I took in August 2012).

(sources: Library and Archives Canada (www.collectionscanada.gc.ca), online attestation papers; Canadian War Museum, 19740281-001, Manu 58F 2 3, 207th Canadian Infantry Battalion and 38th Canadian Infantry Battalion, Nominal Roll; The Cameron Highlanders of Ottawa Regimental Museum, A400-0007, Master Personnel List for the 38th Canadian Infantry Battalion, Canadian Expeditionary Force; Commonwealth War Graves Commission, "Debt of Honour" register, www.cwgc.org)

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