19th Battalion Lancashire Fusiliers and 1/5th Battalion East Lancashire Regiment.

Awarded the French Croix de Guerre in the London Gazette of 10 October 1918.

Atkinson was a native of Padiham, Lancashire.

From the Burnley Express, PADIHAM MAN'S HONOUR. We have pleasure in announcing that a Padiham soldier has been awarded the French Croix de Guerre. He is Sergeant Tom Atkinson, of the East Lancashire Regiment. (Territorials). Sergeant Atkinson enlisted in September 1914, and was at once dispatched to Crowborough for training. After some time here he was promoted to drill instructor, and was acting Sergeant-Major. In March this year he was drafted to France, and was immediately put in the trenches. During one of the big pushes of the last few weeks Sergeant Atkinson found himself separated from his own company, and mixed with the French soldiers. He at once fell in with his new companions, and during a sharp scrimmage with the enemy Sergeant Atkinson proved himself a real hero, with the result that he has been awarded the above mentioned medal. This was pinned on his breast by the colonel commanding the French regiment, and before the whole battalion, who had been formed up to witness the ceremony. Before enlisting Sergeant Atkinson resided with his wife at Peel Street, Padiham. He is well known, being formerly connected with Padiham Football Club, and has been a prominent member of the Unity Club.