Lives of the First World War

known 1st July 1916

Two brothers - Barnsley lads - have forfeited their lives in the great and just cause. Their names are Private Herbert Atkinson whose regimental number was 1 in the 13th Y and L (Barnsley Pals) and Stoker Arthur Atkinson, of H.M.S. Defence, which vessel, it will be remembered, was in the great Naval battle of a month ago. They were the sons of Mr. and Mrs. Atkinson of Clanricarde Street, Honeywell, Barnsley, who formerley (sic) kept the Half Way House Hotel, Gawber. Private Atkinson was 26 years of age and was married, leaving four young children. Prior to the war he worked at Wharncliffe Woodmoor Colliery, and it is worthy of note that he joined the Pals early in October, 1914. His sailor brother was 21 years of age and only a week before the Naval battle he came over to Barnsley, was married and then returned to meet his fate. His home was at Carlton. Concerning the soldier’s death, we may mention that Private Atkinson was one of the four pals who were killed together and which is referred to in this issue. To his sorrowing wife Corporal H. Hall wrote: “It is with the deepest sorrow and regret that I pen these few lines to let you know that your dear husband was killed here (in France) on the 18th while fighting for the cause of right and freedom against a ruthless foe. He was in my party of sappers, and we had nearly got our work done when the Germans blew up or mine. Four of our lads were killed outright. Poor lads, they would never know any pain because it was instant death. We dug them out and buried them in a nice little cemetery behind the firing line where a lot of dear pals are laid – worse luck. Tom Briggs was working with us at the time, and poor lad, he is in an awful way about it; in fact we all are, because we knew each other in civil life. But men must fight while women weep! It will be a good job when this awful war is over. I hope that God will give you strength and health to work and look after your children, so they may grow up to love and glory the name of their dear father who gave his life so that you and your children could live in a free country. His memory we shall always honour as one of our old pals – one of our brothers who came of his own free will and gave up his life for his King and country.” Another letter couched in the same sympathetic tones has been received from Corporal J. Barton, whilst Second-Lieutenant Hions wrote: “On behalf of the N.C.O.’s and men of the Company I get to offer you our deepest sympathy in the great loss which you have sustained. Your husband was a good keen soldier, and with a few others of his comrades was employed on special work. The death of such a man is a distinct loss to the Battalion. You have this consolation, that he did his duty and in doing it laid down his life. May God grant to you and your family His divine comfort in this your dark hour of grief and mourning.”

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