Edward Dawson Atkinson
| Edward Dawson Atkinson | |
|---|---|
| Nickname(s) | "Spider" |
| Born |
10 November 1891 Calcutta, India |
| Died | After 29 March 1934 |
| Allegiance | United Kingdom |
| Service/branch | Royal Flying Corps Royal Air Force |
| Rank | Squadron Leader |
| Unit |
No. 1 Squadron RFC No. 56 Squadron RAF No. 64 Squadron RAF |
| Commands held | No. 1 Squadron RAF |
| Awards |
Distinguished Flying Cross Air Force Cross |
Squadron Leader Edward Dawson Atkinson DFC AFC was a British First World War flying ace credited with a total of 10 aerial victories, won while serving in three different squadrons during the First World War. He would serve postwar until invalided out of the Royal Air Force. He then turned to a business career.
Atkinson was the son of Joseph Henry Atkinson and Elizabeth Mary M'Carthy and was born in Calcutta, India, on 10 November 1891, when it was still part of the British Empire. He became an officer in the 40th Pathans of the British Indian Army.
On 12 December 1915, Second Lieutenant Edward Dawson Atkinson of the 40th Pathans was awarded Royal Aero Club Aviator's Certificate no. 2145 after training at the London and Provincial School, Hendon.
On 25 January 1917, he was already a Pilot Officer; on that date, he was appointed Flight Commander and acting captain. Two months later, on 25 March, while serving in No. 1 Squadron on the Western Front, he used a Nieuport to destroy a German observation balloon. He drove down two enemy planes in April, an Albatros D.II fighter on the 22nd and an Albatros reconnaissance craft on the 29th. He would not score again for over a year.
Atkinson was reassigned to 56 Squadron, which was equipped with Royal Aircraft Factory SE.5as. On 3 May 1918, in conjunction with William Roy Irwin and Trevor Durrant, he destroyed a Rumpler in one dogfight, and drove another down out of control 20 minutes later. Atkinson was now an ace.
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