Private Richard Roy Atkins, MM was a member of 4th Machine Gun Company when he was awarded the Military Medal on 23 April 1917. His citation reads:
On the 14th April when on a gun crew in an isolated position, the enemy (during a bombardment) made a direct hit on the position, killing the N.C.O. in charge, and one other man, and fatally wounding a third. Although suffering from the effects of the explosion, he dressed the wounded man, and remained on duty during the bombardment, until finally attracting the attention of some infantry, sent a message for reinforcements to his Section Headquarters remaining alone at duty until these arrived. He has always shown exceptional bravery and devotion to duty. Private Atkins went on to become a Cadet, training in the RAF and a T/Lieutenant with 11th (Reserve) Anti-Aircraft Regiment RCA in 1944. |
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