John Fenwick Atkinson (1889-)
From Sacriston, served with 1st/8th Battalion DLI
John Fenwick Atkinson was born in Gilesgate Moor in 1889. At the time of the 1911 census, he was living with his parents and sister in Sacriston and working as a colliery weigh clerk.
John Atkinson’s service papers have not survived but it is known that 323019 Company Sergeant Major Atkinson served with the 1st/8th Battalion DLI and survived the war, despite what can be read in this short article printed on 5 July 1918 in the Chester le Street Chronicle.
John’s brother, George Scott Atkinson, served with the Royal Army Medical Corps, and was injured in a German attack on his hospital.
Civil Parish: Witton Gilbert
Birth date: 1889
Armed force/civilian: Army
Residence: 8 Witton Road Sacriston (Chester-le-Street Chronicle & 1911 Census)
Employment: Clerk at Birtley Iron Company
Family: 1911 Census: Father, James Smith Atkinson, colliery joiner, born Sherburn Hill; Margaret Fenwick Atkinson, born Broomside; plus two children. Brother George Scott Atkinson (Chester-le-Street Chronicle, 1918)
Military service:
323019 Company Sergeant Major (CSM), 1st/8th Battalion Durham Light Infantry.
Medal(s): British War Medal, Victory Medal
Gender: Male
Contributed by Sacriston Heritage Group | Durham County Record Office. Jack Mulligan and Lewis Cooper
