Rupert Atkinson

Captain Rupert Norman Gould Atkinson (17 July 1896 – 7 March 1919) was a British World War I flying ace credited with five aerial victories.

Biography Rupert Atkinson was born in Shanghai, China, He was educated at Orley Farm School, Harrow, and at Marlborough College, Wiltshire. He was enrolled at Pembroke College, Cambridge in June 1914,

On 2 December 1914 he received his commission as a temporary Second Lieutenant in the 15th Middlesex Regiment. His citation reads:

Temporary Captain Rupert Norman Gould Atkinson, General List and RFC. For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. This officer has done a large amount of successful artillery work, has taken part in many night bombing raids, and has continually distinguished himself by his fearlessness and determination in descending to low altitudes in order to attack hostile infantry and machine guns. On one occasion, also, he successfully attacked and drove down a hostile balloon.

Between May and October 1918 while flying an Airco DH.9 and serving with 98 Squadron RAF, and later with 206 Squadron RAF, Atkinson scored five aerial victories.

After the end of hostilities he served with the occupation forces in Cologne, Germany,

On 7 March 1919,

He was awarded a bar to his DFC on 30 May 1919, and the Croix de guerre from Belgium on 11 July 1919, both posthumously.

+Victories No. Date Unit Aircraft Opponent Location1 19 May 1918 98 Sqn. D.H.9 (B7657) Fokker Dr.I NW. of Roulers2 Pfalz D.III3 30 August 1918 206 Sqn. D.H.9 (D1718) Fokker D.VII Nieppe4 4 September 1918 Balloon Frelinghien5 14 October 1918 D.H.9 (D569) Fokker D.VII Lendelede