Trafford

Keen on life-saving, he won his R.L.S.S. award at Sale Baths and was a
member of the 1st Brooklands Troup of the Boy Scouts.   Employed at the
Linotype Works, Broadheath.

Joined the RAFVR in November 1939 and became an Engineer in the RAF Rescue
Section.

01/05/42 edition of the local newspaper reports that he had been awarded
the George Medal for bravery.    An aircraft crashed into a raging sea off
the coast of Rhosneiger, Anglesey.  It was too stormy to send out the
rescue launch, so ACM Atkinson and ACM Ewan Jones put out to sea in an open
rowing boat to try to rescue the aircraft crew.   A large wave swamped the
rowing boat and Ewan Jones was unable to swim; ACM Atkinson kicked off his
boots and attempted to bring him ashore.    Unfortunately, he lost his grip
of ACM Jones and he was swept away.   People on the shore line formed a
human chain to rescue ACM Atkinson.    He was presented with the George
Madal at a ceremony at Holyhead.

His wife had given birth to a daughter a few weeks previously.   His
brother, William Henry Atkinson was a Flying Officer in the RAF.

Photo in the 01/05/42 edition of the local newspaper.   Death announced in
the 18/09/42 edition.