Atkins, W R

WILLIAM RICHARD ATKINS

Remembered with honour Thiepval Memorial: Pier and Face 8D.

He enlisted in Watford; was entitled to the Victory, British War and 1914 Star medals, his qualifying date being 20 September 1914, and was killed in action.  Unfortunately, William’s Service Record appears to be one that did not survive the World War Two bombing.

Son of Richard and Alice Lilian (nee BARRETT) ATKINS.

His parents married 4 August 1894 at St Martin’s, Kentish Town, London.  Richard died 1926 in Watford aged 54, and was buried 3 May in Vicarage Road Cemetery, Watford; Alice died 13 December 1950 in Watford aged 79, and was buried 18 December, also in Vicarage Road Cemetery.

William was born 7 April 1895 in Watford, and baptised 10 May 1896 at St Andrew’s, Watford.  He attended first Callowland Infants’ School, Watford; then Callowland Board School from 6 January 1902 to 7 April 1909.

On the 1901 Census, aged 5 he lived in Watford, with his parents and three siblings.  On the 1911 Census, aged 15 he still lived in Watford, with his parents and six siblings.