William Atkinson

[roger]

I’m looking for a soldier called William Atkinson who is on the Bedale War memorial. He died sometime in 1916. Initially I thought it was this man, as Yafforth is about 6 miles away

Wm. ATKINSON

Private 15477

17/Highland Light Infantry, 97th Brigade, 32nd Division.

Who died on Saturday 15 January 1916 (SDGW KIA 16/1/16). Age 26 .

Son of Joseph and Margaret Atkinson, of Yafforth Hill, Northallerton

Born, Wallsend. Enlisted, Glasgow.

AVELUY COMMUNAL CEMETERY EXTENSION Somme, France

Now I’m not so sure I found another William Atkinson on the 1901 census age 14, born in Bedale, which would make him a candidate if he fought and was killed sometime in 1916.

I know it’s a big if but it has sown the seeds of doubt.

Anyone any thoughts?

Perhaps SDGW might shed some light.

Roger.

[Doug Lewis]

Roger

There are 24 William Atkinson's (SDGW) for 1916 including your man but none being born or resident in Bedale.

Are you sure your man was a soldier?

Regards Doug

[roger]

Doug,

There are two William Atkinson's listed on the CWGC site who were in the Royal Navy. One from Newcastle upon Tyne and the other from Newton le Willows, Lancs. so I don't think he is either of those. The rest are Army.

I'm pretty sure he is the HLI W Atkinson but have nothing concrete to link him with Bedale yet.

Yafforth, as I said is pretty close. I'm going to the library tomorrow to have a look at Kelly's Directory for 1913. It has been pretty useful in linking other soldiers to Bedale I have had problems with.

Cheers,

Roger.