First World War Medals – Private Henry Atkinson, 8th Northumberland Fusiliers – Died of Wounds Somme 1916
1914-15 Star – 3768 PTE H. ATKINSON. NORTH'D FUS:
Henry Atkinson was born in 1897 at Gateshead-on-Tyne, the son of Robert and Elizabeth Atkinson, and later resided in Sunderland. In 1911 he was living at 14 Jane Eyre Terrace, Sunderland Road, Gateshead, working as a coal miner driver underground, one of a large Tyneside family.
He enlisted at Sunderland and first served overseas with the 1st Battalion, Northumberland Fusiliers, landing in France on 27 December 1914. He was wounded on 5 August 1915, an injury that entitled him to wear a Wound Stripe, and later transferred to the 8th (Service) Battalion, Northumberland Fusiliers, part of the 34th Brigade, 11th (Northern) Division.
During the Battle of the Somme, the 8th Battalion was heavily engaged in late September 1916, including the fighting around Zollern Redoubt and the Ovillers sector. Henry was severely wounded during this period, suffering a gunshot wound to the head penetrating the cranium. He was admitted to a Casualty Clearing Station near Puchevillers on 30 September 1916, but died of his wounds on 2 October 1916, aged just 19.
He is buried at Puchevillers British Cemetery, Grave Reference V.B.45. His headstone bears the inscription: “On whose soul sweet Jesus have mercy R.I.P.”
PLEASE NOTE: All research will be sent to the buyer via email. I am unable to provide printed copies, as I do not have access to a printer.
AJMS Medals