Main CPGW Record
Surname: ATKINSON
Forename(s): Willie
Place of Birth: Silsden, Yorkshire
Service No: TynesideZ/10246
Rank: Ordinary Seaman
Regiment / Corps / Service: Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve
Battalion / Unit: SS 'Hockwold'
Division: ---
Age: 19
Date of Death: 1917-09-10
Awards: ---
CWGC Grave / Memorial Reference: 27.
CWGC Cemetery: ---
CWGC Memorial: CHATHAM NAVAL MEMORIAL
Non-CWGC Burial: ---
Local War Memorial: SILSDEN, YORKSHIRE
Additional Information:
Willie Atkinson (born 28 December 1897) was the son of Alfred and Margaret Ann Atkinson, née Clarkson. Both parents were born at Silsden, Yorkshire.
1901 Silsden, Yorkshire Census: 15, Hothfield Street - Willie Atkinson, aged 3 years, born Silsden, son of Alfred and Margaret Ann Atkinson.
1911 Silsden. Yorkshire Census: 30, Skipton Road - Willie Atkinson, aged 13 years, born Silsden. [Willie and his widowed mother were living with her unmarried brother, George Clarkson.]
UK, WW1 Pension Ledgers and Index Cards, 1914-1923: card(s) exist for Willie. Name(s) on card(s): Dependant: Margaret Anne Atkinson. Relationship: Mother. Address: 30, Skipton Road, Silsden, Nr Keighley, Yorkshire.
The SS ‘Hockwold’ sank 6.5 miles off Lizard Point after a collision with the SS ‘Intent’ of Sunderland.
Data Source: Craven’s Part in the Great War - original CPGW book entry
View Entry in CPGW BookEntry in West Yorkshire Pioneer Illustrated War Record:
ATKINSON, Willie, [Silsden], aged 19, gunner of H.M. transport, drowned at sea Sept. 10, 1917.
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Ordinary Seaman Willie ATKINSON
Regiment / Corps / Service Badge: Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve
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St James's Churchyard, Silsden
Family gravestone - detail of memorial inscription
View Craven Herald Articles
View Craven Herald Articles
28 September 1917
ATKINSON - September 10th 1917, drowned at sea, Gunner Willie Atkinson, Royal Naval Volunteers, son of Mr. Atkinson, 30, Skipton Road, Silsden, aged 19 years.
28 September 1917
SILSDEN - GUNNER WILLIE ATKINSON DROWNED
Official information was received from the Admiralty on Monday morning last that Gunner Willie Atkinson, of the collier transport S.S. Hockwold, and son of Mrs. Atkinson, 30, Skipton Road, Silsden, was drowned on the 10th of September through a collision at sea with a ship named 'The Intent.'
A report of the collision states that the Hockwold was outward bound, while The Intent was inward bound. As the result of the collision, the Hockwold was sunk. Every effort was made by the crew of The Intent to rescue the crew of the Hockwold, and ten men were taken aboard. No trace could be found of the captain and nine other members of the crew. The collision occurred off the Lingard.
Gunner Atkinson enlisted about twelve months ago in the Royal Naval Volunteers. After a period of training he was drafted to the Hockwold as a gunner. He was 19 years of age, and formerly attended the Silsden Wesleyan Church and Sunday School.
Mrs. Atkinson has another son in the forces, Pte. Tom Atkinson, who is in the Welsh Guards.
View West Yorkshire Pioneer Articles
View West Yorkshire Pioneer Articles
28 September 1917
ATKINSON - Drowned at sea, Sept. 10th, Gunner Willie Atkinson, of the Collier Transport S.S. Hockwold, son of Mrs. Atkinson, of 30, Skipton Road, Silsden, aged 19.
28 September 1917
SILSDEN GUNNER DROWNED
Official information was received from the Admiralty on Monday morning last that Gunner Willie Atkinson, of the Collier Transport S.S. Hockwold, son of Mrs. Atkinson, of 30, Skipton Road, Silsden, was drowned on Sept. 10th, through a collision at sea with a ship named The Intent. A report of the collision states that the Hockwold was outward bound, while The Intent was inward hound. As a result of the collision the Hockwold was sunk. Every effort was made by the crew of The Intent to rescue the crew of the Hockwold, and ten men were taken aboard. No trace could be found of the captain and nine other members of the crew. The collision occurred off the Lizard. Gunner Atkinson enlisted about 12 months ago in the Royal Naval Volunteers. After a period of training he was drafted to the Hockwold as a gunner. He was 19 years of age, and formerly attended the Silsden Wesleyan Church and Sunday-school. Mrs. Atkinson has another son serving in the forces Pte. Tom Atkinson, who is attached to the Welsh Guards.
06 September 1918
In loving memory of Gunner Willie Atkinson, who was drowned at sea on Sept 8th, 1917.
Not gone from memory, not gone from love,
But gone to his Father's home above.
- From his Mother and Family, also his Brother in France. Ash Grove, Skipton Road, Silsden.
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