Edward Dawson Atkinson facts for kids

Edward Dawson Atkinson, DFC, AFC (born November 10, 1891 – died after 1934) was a brave British military officer and pilot. He was known as a "flying ace" during the First World War. This means he shot down or helped shoot down at least five enemy aircraft. Atkinson achieved 10 aerial victories while flying for three different squadrons. After the war, he continued to serve in the Royal Air Force before leaving due to health reasons. He then started a business career.

Early Life and Military Start

Edward Dawson Atkinson was born in Calcutta, India, on November 10, 1891. At that time, India was part of the British Empire. His parents were Joseph Henry Atkinson and Elizabeth Mary M'Carthy.

As a young man, he joined the British Indian Army. He became an officer in a unit called the 40th Pathans.

World War I: A Flying Ace's Journey

Atkinson's journey as a pilot began during the First World War.

Becoming a Pilot

On December 12, 1915, Edward Atkinson earned his pilot's license. He trained at the London and Provincial School in Hendon, England. This was an important step in his flying career.

First Victories with No. 1 Squadron

By January 25, 1917, Atkinson was a pilot officer. He was soon made a flight commander and acting captain. On March 25, while flying with No. 1 Squadron on the Western Front, he achieved his first victory. He used his Nieuport plane to destroy a German observation balloon.

In April, he continued his success. On April 22, he forced down an Albatros D.II fighter plane. A week later, on April 29, he drove down another German reconnaissance plane. After these early victories, he didn't score again for over a year.

Success with No. 56 Squadron

Atkinson was then moved to No. 56 Squadron. This squadron flew Royal Aircraft Factory SE.5a planes, which were very good fighters. On May 3, 1918, he teamed up with two other pilots, William Roy Irwin and Trevor Durrant. Together, they destroyed a Rumpler plane in a dogfight. Just 20 minutes later, he forced another Rumpler down out of control. With these victories, Atkinson officially became a "flying ace."

More Victories with No. 64 Squadron

Soon after, Atkinson transferred to No. 64 Squadron. He continued to fly the SE.5a. In the last week of May 1918, he achieved five more victories. By the end of his time in France, he had destroyed one balloon and four enemy planes. He also forced five other enemy planes down out of control.

Awards for Bravery

For his amazing flying skills and bravery, Atkinson received the Distinguished Flying Cross. This award was announced on August 3, 1918.

The official announcement praised him:

A brilliant fighting pilot whose flight has proved very successful under his leadership, often in combats where the enemy formation was numerically superior. Capt. Atkinson destroyed single-handed five enemy machines during May, and previously, whilst serving with another squadron, he brought down two enemy aeroplanes and one balloon.

Life After the War

After the First World War ended, Edward Atkinson continued his service.

Post-War Service and Promotions

On January 1, 1919, he was awarded the Air Force Cross. He stayed in the Royal Air Force even as many soldiers were sent home. In September 1923, he was sent to Iraq for aviation duty. He served with either No. 8 Squadron RAF or No. 84 Squadron RAF there.

On January 1, 1924, he was promoted to squadron leader. A few months later, on May 25, 1924, he was given command of No. 1 Squadron in Iraq.

Return to England and Retirement

Atkinson later returned to England. He was posted to RAF Uxbridge in April 1926. He continued to lead No. 1 Squadron for a time, even when it moved back to England from Iraq. He led the squadron during important training exercises in 1927.

He had several more postings, including to RAF Uxbridge again and to No. 21 Group RAF HQ at RAF West Drayton.

On January 18, 1932, Edward Dawson Atkinson retired from the Royal Air Force due to ill health.

Later Life

After leaving the military, Atkinson began a business career. On March 29, 1934, he was the chairman of a company called R. J. Barnett & Coley Limited in New Malden, Surrey. The company was closed down, and Atkinson was one of the people in charge of this process.

Not much is known about his life after this date.