Reginald Gordon Atkinson

Born in 1914 in Durham, he was commissioned as a Regular DLI officer in 1934. During the Second World War, he served with the 6th Battalion DLI in North Africa, Sicily, Normandy and Belgium. He was awarded the Military Cross in 1943 for his bravery and leadership in the desperate fighting at Primosole Bridge, Sicily. He was awarded his MC Bar, as a Major, at Conde sur Seulles in Normandy during a major German tank and infantry counter attack.

He was in action again in 1952 in Korea, as a Company Commander with 1 DLI, and was awarded the OBE for his "outstanding leadership, determination and tireless energy".

From 1955-58, he commanded 1 DLI at Barnard Castle, Aden and Cyprus. Reggie Atkinson finally retired, as a Lieutenant Colonel, in 1964. He died in June 1993, aged 78.