Home World War Two Stories from the War Soldier & Sailor – Atkinson Brothers – Brothers Meet Out East

Soldier & Sailor – Atkinson Brothers – Brothers Meet Out East

September 1943

South Yorkshire Times, September 25th 1943

Brothers Meet Out East

Gunner George Atkinson (27), son of Mrs. H. Atkinson, 45, Cross Gate Mexborough, was in Algiers after the Allied landing, when he learned that his brother, Petty Officer Eric Atkinson was there.

Having obtained permission to board the ship, Gunner Atkinson went unushered into the mess and found his brother writing home. They were able to write in the same letter home.

George has been in the Army three years, joined the K.O.Y.L.I, and transferred to the Merchant Navy’s defence section of the R.A. He had exciting experiences in North Atlantic crossings, and in the invasion of North Africa, and has enjoyed the hospitality during short stays in America, of the American people.

Educated, as was Eric, at Adwick Road School, he was employed by Messrs. Smith, West Melton, as a painter and decorator. Eric is 23. He was at the landing on Pantelleria and in many other Mediterranean actions since 1941.

His ship recently took the King to Malta. He was formerly employed as a boilermaker on the L.N.E.R.