The AIF Project

William Lloyd ATKINSON

Regimental number38128
Place of birthPort Wakefield, South Australia
ReligionMethodist
OccupationStudent
AddressBeaufort PO, Beaufort, Port Wakefield, South Australia
Marital statusSingle
Age at embarkation20
Next of kinFather, Robert Atkinson, Beaufort PO, Beaufort, Port Wakefield, South Australia
Enlistment date3 October 1916
Rank on enlistmentGunner
Unit nameField Artillery Brigade, Reinforcement 31
AWM Embarkation Roll number13/128/2
Embarkation detailsUnit embarked from Melbourne, Victoria, on board HMAT A15 Port Sydney on 9 November 1917
Rank from Nominal RollBombardier
Unit from Nominal Roll13th Field Artillery Brigade
FateReturned to Australia 8 July 1919
Medals

Military Medal

'On the 7th August 1918, an enemy shell caused an explosion in a number of Tanks parked near VILLERS BRETONNEUX. The tanks were loaded with bombs, gun cotton, S.A.A., Trench Mortars, etc., but at grave personal risk while exposed to heavy enemy shell fire and violent explosions, No. 3812 gunner W.L. ATKINSON and No. 28323 Gunner J.J. LEYDEN assisted the Tank Corps Officer to save the tanks. By their courageous actions they set a fine example and rendered invaluable assistance in saving a number of tanks from certain destruction.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 75
Date: 17 June 1919

Other details

War service: Western Front

Medals: Military Medal, British War Medal, Victory Medal
Date of death1 March 1976
Age at death78
Place of burialSnowtown (Condowie) Cemetery, South Australia

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