Source: Michael Doyle Their Name Liveth For Evermore: The Great War Roll of Honour for Leicestershire and Rutland.
He was the son of William Atkinson, a domestic servant and coachman, born 1843 in Westeringham, Lincolnshire and his wife Anne Atkinson (nee Tomblin, married Q2 1871 in the Oakham, Rutland district), born 1844 in Market Overton, Rutland. George was born on the 24th December 1882 in Market Overton, Rutland, his siblings were John, born 1876, William, born 1878, Anne, born 1880, Charles, born 1884 and Alfred, born 1886, all his siblings were born in Market Overton, Rutland. In April 1891 the family home was at Main Street, Market Overton, Rutland. In March 1901 George was employed as a stables groom and was residing as a boarder in Easton, Lincolnshire. In April 1911 George was employed as a butler and was residing at 20, Cadogan Place, Chelsea, London. George died of cerebral malaria. His late father, who had been a coachman for the late Misses Wingfield of Market Overton, Rutland, died from an accident sustained on the hunting field on the 4th February 1896. Prior to enlistment, George had been a butler with Admiral and Lady Colville, at Admiralty House, Portsmouth. George’s medical examination at enlistment showed him to be 5 foot 7 inches in height with a chest measurement of 38½, fair hair and blue eyes, his complexion was described as fresh. His service history began as an Officer’s Steward 1st Class aboard HMS Cyclops, 1/12/15 – 17/1/16. Victory I, 18/1/16. Victory I, 15/6/18 – 15/6/18. Talbot, 16/6/18 – 1/4/19 when he died of cerebral malaria, and died near Port Said. He was buried at sea with full Naval honours. The Chaplain of the ship writing to the deceased’s mother on behalf of the Captain, said:- “His naturally cheerful disposition gained him many friends, and his loss was deeply felt by his messmates, the Captain and Officers.” The Medical Officer of the vessel also wrote:- “He was greatly missed by all who had come in contact with him, and who appreciated his cheerful charm of manner.” He was hoping to have gone back to his post with Admiral and Lady Colville, who from the letters of sympathy written appear to have set great value on his services.