VC Action: Alfred Atkinson VC (6 February 1874 - 21 February 1900) was 26 years old, and a sergeant in the 1st Battalion, The Yorkshire Regiment (Alexandra, Princess of Wales's Own) when he was awarded the posthumous Victoria Cross.
Alfred Atkinson was the son of Farrier-Major James Atkinson, " H " Battery, 4th Brigade Royal Artillery. During the Crimean War it is credited that James Atkinson was one of the small band of mounted artillery who captured the bronze Russian cannon at Sebastopol, from which VCs were subsequently cast.
Alfred enlisted in Leeds in November 1891 and was posted to the Green Howards in Richmond. After basic training, he joined the 1st Battalion The Princess of Wales's Own Yorkshire Regiment - the full title for the Green Howards at Portsmouth where he was promoted to Corporal in February 1892. He took his Certificate of Musketry with the new .303 Lee Enfield rifle at Fort Gomer near Portsmouth and on 16th November was promoted to Lance Sergeant. The battalion sailed to Jersey to take up residence in Fort Regent and St Peter's near St Helier where he was promoted to the full rank of Sergeant in E Company. On the 16th December 1897, Sergeant Atkinson completed his seven years service with the colours and transferred to the Reserve.
Along with 450 reservists, he joined the Green Howards in Albuera Barracks, Aldershot on 22nd November 1899 and sailed from Southampton on 24th November 1899 for Cape Town.
During the battle of Paardeberg, on February 18, 1900, Sergeant Atkinson exposed himself to the heavy fire of the enemy to procure and carry water to the wounded. Seven times he repeated this devoted act, and at the last attempt he was shot through the head, dying a few days after. In a letter from the Adjutant of his battalion he is reported as having been a most exemplary soldier and excellent non-commissioned officer.
He was entitled to the Queen's medal with clasps for Kimberley (Relief) and. Paardeberg, where he fell.
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