PRIVATE 12741 JOHN ATKINSON 2/6th WEST RIDING REGIMENT. DIED OF WOUNDS 21st DECEMBER 1917 AGED 24


PRIVATE 12741 JOHN ATKINSON 2/6th WEST RIDING REGIMENT. DIED OF WOUNDS 21st DECEMBER 1917 AGED 24



John Atkinson was born in Kirkby Overblow in about 1893 the son of agricultural labourer Richard and his wife Elizabeth. The family moved to Ilkley when John was about 5 years old to live at 26 Leamington Terrace. Like his father he sought employment in agriculture and before the war was working at Wharfedale Grange Farm owned by Jack King on Ben Rhydding Drive. As well as being a farmer, Jack King, was a renowned international rugby player who played for the Headingley Club in Leeds and it was perhaps his encouragement that spurred John to join Ilkley RUFC.


On the second day of the war Jack King enlisted in the army and would, sadly, be killed during the Battle of the Somme. John also enlisted in August 1914 when he joined the Ilkley Pals Company of the 9th Battalion West Riding Regiment.

John landed in France with his battalion on 15th July 1915, but at some stage was transferred to the 2/6th Battalion of the same regiment. The most likely explanation for this was that at some stage he was wounded whilst serving with the 9th and upon his return to the front was sent to as a replacement to the 2/6th.

On 20th November 1917 the 2/6th were involved in the attacks on Bourlon Wood, part of the Battle of Cambrai. John was wounded during the action and sent to one of the General Hospitals located at Rouen. It was here that he died on the 21st December and buried in the British Military Cemetery at St Sever (Extension Cemetery).

Unusually, John's parents chose not to have his name remembered on Ilkley War Memorial, indeed he seems not to be named on any war memorial.
Photo courtesy James Cooper





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