Also Served: William Atkinson - William ATKINSON
13, Ward Street, Prescot Corporal 1893, 5th Bn., South Lancashire Regiment Later 240298, 1/5th Bn, South Lancashire Regiment
William was born in Prescot on 8th October 1896.
17 year old William worked as a Fuse Hand at the Wire Works when he enlisted to the Territorial Army in Prescot on 3rd March, 1914. He recorded his father, George Atkinson, as his next of kin.
Like the remainder of his Territorial colleagues, he was called up for full time service on 5th August 1914, the day after war was declared. After training, he sailed for France on 12th February 1915, arriving there the following day.
William was wounded in action on 8th May 1917The Battalion war diary for the day states, "11:00 am. Hostile artillery shelled POTIJZE CHATEAU and POTIJZE WOOD with about 20 8" shells. No damage was done. 1 Other Rank wounded."
On 24th May he returned to the UK for treatment, and was then discharged on 9th November 1917 as he was no longer physically fit enough for service. William was awarded a pension of thirty shillings per week as a result of his wounds, these being reported as Gun Shot Would Left Chest, penetrating lung, and Gun Shot Wound, Left arm.
An extract from William's entry in the Silver War Badge rolls and also pension records, recording details of his wounds
William was entitled to the 1915 Star, British War Medal and Victory Medal. He also received the Silver War Badge having been discharged due to his wounds.
He acknowledged receipt of his medals on 14th December 1921.
William's service is commemorated on the EFD Roll of Honour
In the 1939 National register, he lived at 12, St James Road, Prescot, with his wife Ann.
Ref. No.: A0833
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