Atkinson, Noel Mitford Henson
Younger son of Dr. T. R. Atkinson. He was educated at Chigwell School, and obtained his colours for cricket and football; he won many swimming prizes, and was a colour-sergeant in the school of O.T.C.
He passed the London Matriculation, and entered Guy's. After a year at the Hospital he decided on a business career and obtained a clerkship in the Hong Kong and Shanghai Bank.
On the outbreak of war he enlisted in the U.P.S. Battalion Royal Fusiliers, where he was soon after joined by his older brother who came over from British Columbia to enlist.
In November, 1915, they were sent out to France, and spent the winter in the trenches. He became a sergeant. Early in 1916 they were sent home for commissions, were at Balliol College. Oxford, and finally posted to the East Lancs. Regt. The elder, Guy, was sent to France again in October 1916, was wounded at the battle of the Anere, and died of gas gangrene.
On October 30th. The younger, Noel, had become attached to the R.F.C., and whilst training, having passed his examinations for a pilot, was accidentally killed at the aerodrome near Cirencester on Dec.27th, 1916. Guy's Hospital Reports Vol LXX, War Memorial Number
Biographical
| Surname(s) | Atkinson |
|---|---|
| First name(s) | Noel Mitford Henson |
| Date of birth | 1891 |
| Place of birth | Sherborne, Dorset |
| Family details | Son of Thomas Ruell Atkinson, M.D., and Emma Elizabeth Atkinson, of 16, Markwick Terrace, St. Leonard's-on-Sea. Brother’s full name was Guy Cheselden Ruell Atkinson |
| Previous education | Chigwell School |
| College | Guy's Hospital |
| Dept / course | Dental Student |
| Military unit | Royal Flying Corps, East Lancashire Regiment |
| War / conflict | World War One (1914-1918) |
| Date of death | 27 December 1916 |
| Age at death | 25 |
| Rank at death | Second Lieutenant |
| Place of death | Aerodrome near Cirencester |
| Cause of death | Accidentally killed at the aerodrome |
| Burial place | Bristol (Arnos Vale) Cemetery |
| Notes | A report of Noel Mitford Henson Atkinson’s death published in the Western Daily Press can be found on the Clifton Rugby Football Club History website at http://www.cliftonrfchistory.co.uk/memorial/WW1/atkinson.htm |
| Sources | Guy's Hospital Medical School Records, King's College London Archives; Commonwealth War Graves Commission; University of London O.T.C. 1914-1918 |