| Regimental number | 38128 |
| Place of birth | Port Wakefield, South Australia |
| Religion | Methodist |
| Occupation | Student |
| Address | Beaufort PO, Beaufort, Port Wakefield, South Australia |
| Marital status | Single |
| Age at embarkation | 20 |
| Next of kin | Father, Robert Atkinson, Beaufort PO, Beaufort, Port Wakefield, South Australia |
| Enlistment date | |
| Rank on enlistment | Gunner |
| Unit name | Field Artillery Brigade, Reinforcement 31 |
| AWM Embarkation Roll number | 13/128/2 |
| Embarkation details | Unit embarked from Melbourne, Victoria, on board HMAT A15 Port Sydney on |
| Rank from Nominal Roll | Bombardier |
| Unit from Nominal Roll | 13th Field Artillery Brigade |
| Fate | Returned to Australia |
| 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: |
| Other details |
War service: Western Front Medals: Military Medal, British War Medal, Victory Medal |
| Date of death | |
| Age at death | 78 |
| Place of burial | Snowtown (Condowie) Cemetery, South Australia |
Postal Address:
Po Box 7916
Canberra BC 2610, Australia
Street Address:
Northcott Drive,
Campbell, ACT 2600
