| Place | Oceania: New Guinea1, Papua New Guinea, Morobe Province, Lae |
|---|---|
| Accession Number | REL28773.001 |
| Collection type | Heraldry |
| Object type | Award |
| Physical description | Silver |
| Maker |
Unknown |
| Place made | United Kingdom |
| Date made | c 1943-1944 |
| Conflict |
Second World War, 1939-1945 |
Military Cross : Lieutenant J W H Atkinson, 2/23 Battalion AIF
Description
Military Cross (Geo VI). Officially engraved reverse with year of issue, and with the recipient's details.
History / Summary
VX42929 John Wilfred Harold Atkinson was born in Victoria in 1920. He was a dairy farmer at Timboon, Victoria when he enlisted for service in the army on 14 June 1940, and was allocated to 2/23 Battalion. Atkinson served in North Africa and then in New Guinea. He was commissioned on 13 January 1943. Atkinson was awarded the Military Cross during the campaign that culminated in the fall of Lae to the Allies. The recommendation for the award reads, 'For outstanding leadership and great personal courage in the operations EAST OF LAE during the period 4-16 Sep 43. During an engagement in the SINGAUA PLANTATION area on 6 Sep 43, Lieut ATKINSON was ordered to carry out an encircling movement with his Platoon. The enemy was greatly superior in numbers on his flank, and his platoon was forced to ground by heavy automatic fire. Despite the intensity of the opposition and the heavy fire, Lieut ATKINSON moved continuously between his sections directing the attack. Two of his NCO's were badly wounded in fwd positions within 10 yds of the enemy. Although he knew the fire to be the heaviest at this point, Lieut ATKINSON rushed fwd twice and carried his wounded section commanders to safety. He continued to press the attack with his platoon, reinforced by other elements of the Bn, and personally accounted for 4 enemy with his rifle and bayonet. His initiative and complete disregard of personal danger was an inspiration to his men and a decisive factor in the success of the operation. Lieut ATKINSON, at the time of this engagement was suffering from an old wound in the ankle, which necessitated morphia injections to enable him to continue to walk. It was necessary to evacuate him shortly after the action finished.' Atkinson was discharged on 7 November 1944.
- 1939-45 Star : Lieutenant J W H Atkinson, 2/23 Battalion AIF
- Africa Star : Lieutenant J W H Atkinson, 2/23 Battalion AIF
- Pacific Star : Lieutenant J W H Atkinson, 2/23 Battalion AIF
- Defence Medal : Lieutenant J W H Atkinson, 2/23 Battalion AIF :
- British War Medal 1939-45 : Lieutenant J W H Atkinson, 2/23 Battalion AIF
- Australia Service Medal : Lieutenant J W H Atkinson, 2/23 Battalion AIF