Harrogate Herald - 20th February 1915
W H Breare letter
The two sons of Mr Charles Atkinson
(solicitor), Registrar of the County Court, have been given
commissions in the 3rd West Yorks, I believe, "reserve".
Harrogate Herald - 3rd May 1916
On Thursday, April 20th, 1916, killed in action, Captain
Laurence Evans Atkinson, 3rd West Yorkshire Regiment, second son
of Mr and Mrs Charles Evans Atkinson, Waltroyd, Harrogate,
aged 21 years.
Harrogate Herald - 3rd May 1916
Photo - Captain Laurence Evans Atkinson, who is
officially reported to have been killed in action on April 20th, was
the second son of Mr Charles Evans Atkinson, solicitor, and
Registrar Harrogate County Court, and Mrs C E Atkinson, of Waltroyd,
[Walt Royd, 93 East Parade] Harrogate. Captain Atkinson was killed
whilst leading his Company in an attack. Captain Atkinson, who was
21 years old and stood 6ft 2½in high, was educated at Sedbergh,
where, when 14 years of age, he joined the Sedbergh OTC, and was a
marksman. He won several cups for running, jumping, and heavy weight
putting whilst at school. He was at the Harrogate College before
going to Sedbergh. On leaving school in 1912 he joined the 5th
(Territorial) Battalion of the West Yorkshire Regiment, and was in
the machine gun section. When war was declared he was a Corporal.
Later he was made Sergeant, and was then given a permanent special
reserve commission in the same (3rd Battalion) regiment. In July,
1915, he went to the Front, and was attached to the regular
Battalion of the York and Lancaster Regiment. After seven months in
the Ypres salient he was promoted a Regular Army Captain on the
field, and had held that rank for three months up to the date of his
death in the Ypres salient. Altogether he had had eight years'
military service, though only 21 years old. He was at home on leave
about three weeks ago, when he was in the best of health. He was
formerly a prominent player with the Harrogate Old Boys Rugby FC.
His elder brother, Lieutenant Norman Atkinson, West Yorkshire
Regiment, was wounded at Ypres last year. The deceased officer was
highly esteemed by a wide circle of friends, who will deeply regret
his death, and extend their deep sympathy to the family.
SDGW
2nd Battalion, York and Lancaster Regiment
T/Captain Lawrence Evans Atkinson
Died : 20th April 1916
KIA
CWGC
In Memory of
LAURANCE EVANS ATKINSON
Captain 2nd Bn., York and Lancaster Regiment who
died on Thursday, 20th April 1916. Age 21.
Additional Information:
Son of Charles Evans Atkinson and Agnes Fanny
Atkinson, of 21, York Rd., Harrogate.
Commemorative Information
Cemetery:
ESSEX FARM CEMETERY, Ieper, West-Vlaanderen, Belgium
Grave Reference/Panel Number: II. N. 15.
