2721916 Joseph ATKINSON, MM, 3 Irish Guards

dbf · Aug 10, 2011

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Name Atkinson, Joseph
Rank: Corporal
Service No: 2721916
Regiment: 3 Battalion Irish Guards
Theatre of Combat or Operation: North West Europe 1944-45
Award: Military Medal
Date of Announcement in London Gazette: 05 April 1945
Reference: WO 373/53
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LG - http://www.london-gazette.co.uk/issues/37015/supplements/1810/page.pdf

2721916 Corporal Joseph ATKINSON, 3rd Battalion IRISH GUARDS

This NCO was section commander of the foremost section of the leading platoon which was attacked on the morning of 1 October 1944 near AAM in the NIJMEGEN bridgehead. The second wave of the attack was directed on his platoon and it was essential that a track leading past some farm buildings should be held at all costs.

His section was positioned on this track and was under intense artillery and mortar fire as the German attack came in. It is probable that a half-company of Germans was directed at this NCO’s section and at one time the enemy got within 20 yards of his position. It was necessary for him to leave his slit trench and expose himself to enemy supporting fire from the right flank in order to throw grenades into a ditch near his post which the enemy had reached and under his splendid example, though considerable outnumbered, his section drove back the immediate threat to their position.

When the enemy formed up again to attack, Lance-Sergeant ATKINSON continued to direct his section’s fire and in a critical situation remained calmly and cheerfully in command of his men until
he himself was wounded.

Throughout this action this NCO showed great personal bravery and his own determination to hold his ground inspired his section to follow his example and beat off the German assault long enough for relief to arrive.

5 October 1944.
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2721916 Joseph ATKINSON, MM, 3 Irish Guards

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2721916 Joseph ATKINSON, MM, 3 Irish Guards

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