Atkinson, Alfred

 1900,  Battle of Paardeberg 

ATKINSON, ALFRED, Sergeant, was horn at Leeds, the son of Farrier Major James Atkinson, H Battery, 4th Brigade, Royal Artillery (who is said to have been one of the party who captured the original cannon from which the Victoria Cross was cast).  He rejoined the Colours from the Reserve at the outbreak of the South African Campaign in 1899-1902, and five months before his death in the heroic service recorded below.  Besides the Victoria Cross (which was given to his father in accordance with the regulation of 8 August 1902), Sergeant Alfred Atkinson was entitled to the Queen's Medal with clasps for Kimberley (Relief) and Paardeberg, where he fell.  His Victoria Cross was gazetted 8 August 1902: "A Atkinson, No 3264, Sergeant, 1st Battalion The Yorkshire Regiment.  Date of Act of Bravery: 18 February 1900.  During the Battle of Paardeberg, 18 February 1900, Sergeant A Atkinson, 1st Battalion Yorkshire Regiment, went out seven times, under heavy and close fire, to obtain water for the wounded.  At the seventh attempt he was wounded in the head, and died a few days afterwards".