Private Harry McConnell Atkinson served in 21st Battalion, New Zealand Infantry during the Second World War. His parents lived in Carrickfergus, Co. Antrim.
Private
14712
Private Harry McConnell Atkinson (14712) served in 21st Battalion, New Zealand Infantry during the Second World War. Born on 13th August 1913, he was the son of Harry Atkinson and Sarah McConnell Atkinson of Carrickfergus, Co. Antrim.
Before the outbreak of the Second World War, Harry worked as a baker. In 1940, he married Ethel May Woollett of Princess Street, Levin, Wellington, New Zealand.
On 5th July 1940, Harry enlisted at Palmerston North, New Zealand. He embarked from Wellington, New Zealand on 1st February 1941, arriving in Egypt on 24th March 1941. For service during the conflict, he was a recipient of The 1939-45 Star, the Africa Star with 8th Army Clasp, the War Medal 1939-45, and the New Zealand War Service Medal.
Private Atkinson died on 24th October 1942 aged 29 years old. His grave is in Section I, Row C, Grave 8 of El Alamein War Cemetery, Egypt.
Image: © Adopt an Anzac Project.