John Black Atkins facts for kids

John Black Atkins (born in 1871, died in 1954) was a British journalist. He was famous for being a war correspondent. This means he reported from battlefields during wars. He worked for a newspaper called Manchester Guardian. He covered important conflicts like the Spanish–American War, the Greco-Turkish War, and the Second Boer War. He also wrote a book about another famous journalist, William Howard Russell.

A Journalist's Exciting Life

Early Years and Education

John Black Atkins was born on November 5, 1871. He was the third son in his family. He went to a school called Marlborough College. Later, he studied at Pembroke College, Cambridge, a part of Cambridge University. He earned his first degree in 1892. While at Cambridge, he was also a runner! He even competed against a student from Oxford University.

Reporting from Wars

After finishing college, Atkins started working for The Manchester Guardian newspaper. In 1898, he became their first special correspondent to cover the Spanish–American War. This war happened in places like Cuba and Puerto Rico.

Atkins reported on the Battle of El Caney in Cuba. He also traveled with General William Rufus Shafter's army during the Capture of Santiago. In Puerto Rico, he covered an attack on Asomante Heights. He even interviewed General Nelson A. Miles.

The editor of the Manchester Guardian, Charles Prestwich Scott, chose Atkins to cover the Second Boer War. Scott picked Atkins because he was a skilled journalist. Atkins tried to report only the facts, even as the war continued.

Friendship and Later Career

During the Boer War, Atkins became friends with another correspondent, Winston Churchill. Churchill later became the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. Atkins described Churchill as "slim, slightly reddish-haired, pale, lively."

Atkins wrote a book called The Relief of Ladysmith. It was based on his experiences during the Boer War. When he returned to England in 1901, he was promoted. He became the London editor for The Manchester Guardian. In 1907, he left that newspaper. He then joined The Spectator as an assistant editor. He worked there until 1926.