Name
Rupert Norman Gould Atkinson (MC, DFC & Bar)
17 July 1896
Conflict
First World War
Date of Death / Age
07/03/1919
22
Rank, Service Number & Service Details
Captain
Royal Air Force
90th Sqn
Awards: Service Medals/Honour Awards
Searched but not found
Military Cross, Distinguished Flying Cross and Bar, Croix de Guerre (Belgium)
Cemetery/Memorial: Name/Reference/Country
GREAT BERKHAMSTED (ST. PETER) CHURCH CEMETERY
Terrace (South) Grave 9
United Kingdom
Headstone Inscription
ALSO HIS DEAR MOTHER A.S. ATKINSON 1876-1967 AND HER YOUNGER SON GERALD 1900-1961
UK & Other Memorials
Berkhamsted Town Memorial, St Peter’s Church Plaque, Berkhamsted, Marlborough College Memorial Hall, Wilts.
Pre War
Rupert Norman Gould Atkinson was born on 17 July 1896 in Shanghai, China, the son of John Brenan Atkinson (architect) and Amelie Sophie Atkinson (nee Gould).
He was educated at Orley Farm School, Harrow, followed by Marlborough College, Wiltshire from 1910, where he was listed as a boarder on the 1911 Census. He enrolled at Pembroke College, Cambridge in June 1914 but joined the Middlesex Regiment in September.
At the time of his death his address was given as High Kelton, Berkhamsted.
Wartime Service
He joined the 6th (Public Schools) Battalion. Middlesex Regiment in September 1914 as a 2nd Lieutenant, subsequently transferring to the 15th Battalion. In July 1915 he went to Cameroon and was attached to the West African Regiment. He was invalided home after nine months and arrived in Liverpool on 2 April 1916 on the SS Mendi from Duala, Cameroon, Africa and was listed as a soldier of High Kelton, Berkhamsted.
After recovery he joined the Royal Flying Corps and on 1 November 1916 and was appointed 2nd Lieutenant, joining 56 Squadron at London Colney. He subsequently flew with 10 Squadron, 103 Squadron and 98 Squadron. He was appointed Captain on 29 July 1917 and became Flight Commander. He was continuously engaged in aerial work of all kinds including reconnaissance, night bombing and offensive action by day.
He was awarded the Military Cross gazette date, 18/10/1917 - 10707, the Distinguished Flying Cross and bar 03/06/1919 - 7030, and Croix de Guerre 11/07/1919 8987.
01/11/1918 - 12961 Gazette Issue 30989. D.F.C. The King has been graciously pleased to award the Distinguished Flying Cross to this officer in recognition of his gallantry in flying operations against the enemy. A gallant and determined officer whose services over the lines since May last in long-distance and photographic reconnaissance, and as leader of bomb raids, have been of a very high order. On a recent occasion, when on solitary photographic reconnaissance at 15,000 feet, his machine was attacked by eight Fokker biplanes; one of these he shot down. His five victories qualified him as an ace.
While on home leave from Cologne, Germany, he died on 7 March 1919, aged 22. from pneumonia following influenza and is buried in St Peter's Churchyard, Berkhamsted, Herts.
Additional Information
Probate was granted to his mother Amelia on 30 May 1919 in London, with effects of £689 4s 10d.
He was engaged to Margaret Hillier at the time of his death.
Acknowledgments
Brenda Palmer
Jo Bayley, wikipedia.org, archive.marlborough college.org. www.rectorylanecemetery.org.uk
