Maurice Chester ATKINSON

07 January 1916

BARNOLDSWICK - A CANADIAN MILITARY WEDDING

The following report (from a Canadian paper) of the marriage of a former Barnoldswick resident will no doubt be of interest:-

"A very pretty wedding took place on Monday afternoon (November 29th) at St. Mary's Church, Oak Bay, Victoria, B.C., when Gunner Maurice Chester Atkinson, 5th C.G.A. Overseas Draft, only son of Mr. E. Atkinson, and the late Mrs. E. Atkinson, of 1635 Chandler Avenue, Victoria, was united in marriage to Jean Mary, only daughter of Sapper A. Cheetham, 6th C.E. and Mrs. A. Cheetham of 118 Wildwood Avenue, Victoria. The bride was attired in a military suit of Belgian blue, with picture hat of black velvet, trimmed with white plume, and carried a bouquet of white chrysanthemums. The bridesmaids were Miss Elsa Jones, Miss Nora Atkinson, and Miss Millicent Cook. Driver A. Greenaway, 5th C.G.A. Overseas Draft, acted as best man. Among the many presents received were a silver cake basket from the Guild of St. Agnes and a silver toast rack from the Women's Guild of St. Matthias' Church, Fone Bay. The bridegroom expects to leave shortly for the Front."

Gunner Atkinson, who has since arrived in England, is a grandson of Mr. William Atkinson, tailor and outfitter, Church Street.

03 August 1917

ATKINSON - Killed in action in France, July 16th 1917, Signaller Maurice Chester Atkinson, Canadian Artillery, son of Mr. Edward Atkinson, formerly of Church Street, Barnoldswick, aged 24 years.

03 August 1917

BARNOLDSWICK CANADIAN KILLED

Many of our Barnoldswick readers will learn with regret of the death of Signaller Maurice Chester Atkinson of the Canadian Artillery, who was killed in action in France on July 16th. The deceased, who was 24 years of age, was a native of Barnoldswick, being the son of Mr. Edgar Atkinson, formerly of Church Street, Barnoldswick, and a grandson of Mr. W.P. Atkinson. Seven years ago the family went out to British Columbia. Signaller Atkinson joined the 5th Canadian Regiment, and sailed for England in December 1915. A further spell of training followed in this country, and it was not until September of last year that he landed in France, where he passed unscathed through some of the fiercest battles, including the capture of Vimy Ridge. He leaves a young wife, to whom he was married but ten days before leaving Canada. During his stay in England, Signaller Atkinson paid two visits to his relatives in Barnoldswick, and renewed many of his former acquaintances.

He formerly attended the Nelson Technical School, and possessed considerable intellectual attainments. Prior to going to Canada, where he was engaged in electrical engineering, he developed a marked musical talent, and was successful in passing the Trinity College Examination with honours.

Mr. Alban Atkinson, uncle of the deceased, has received the following letter from Major Blue, of the Canadian Field Artillery:- "Your enquiry with reference to Gunner M. C. Atkinson arrived today. I regret to have to say that he was killed in action on July 16th. His work while with the battery was most excellent, and he was one of the finest signallers we had. We all miss him, as his cheerfulness even under the most trying circumstances was wonderful. Permit me to offer you the sincere sympathy of the Battery in your bereavement. He was killed instantly by a shell which burst near him, and was buried with the rites of his Church and a cross erected over his grave."