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2nd Lieutenant Henry Noel Atkinson was born at Audlem Vicarage, Cheshire on 25 December 1888, eldest (perhaps only) son of Reverend Arthur Atkinson, Clerk in Holy Orders, Hon. Canon of Chester Cathedral, and Ursula Mary Atkinson Nee Cotton-Jodrell). His grandfather had been Bishop of Calcutta.

His father was 55 years old when Henry was born and seems to have married Ursula on 25 June 1884. This was her second marriage and she was 31 at the time of Henry's birth. Arthur died on 24 October 1915; Ursula on 31 January 1928

The 1901 Census shows Henry as a boarder at The Colledge Boarding School, Heswall, Cheshire. (1901 Census RG 13/3380) He was later educated at Moorland House, Heswall; Charterhouse School and St John's College, Cambridge.

The 1911 Census (RG 14/33942) shows Henry living with his parents at Highfield Hall, Northop, Flintshire, where his father (now aged 77) was 'Clerk in Holy Orders' at the Parish Church of Ss Eurgain and Peter. Henry's occupation is listed as, "Gentleman Gardner". The house boasted a 'Companion' and 5 servants, mostly cooks and domestics.

Before the War Lieutenant Atkinson had been a keen golfer and was, in 1914, the reigning Amateur Champion of Wales.

Currently his Army records are unavailable. His Medal Index Card shows that he entered France as part of the BEF in 1914 and was killed in action on 22 October.

He joined the 3rd Battalion (Special Reserve), Cheshire Regiment, on 12 March 1913, joining the 1st Battalion for training on 1 November 1913. On mobilisation he embarked for France with the 1st Battalion on 14 August 1914.

He served unscathed through the fighting at Mons, Le Cateau and The Aisne until 22 October 1914, near La Bassée, at Voilaines, where he won his D.S.O.  However, after the battle he was reported officially "missing" and was believed to have been captured.

He was thought to have been wounded and was reported, unofficially, to have been taken to a French hospital at Douai, which was eventually taken by the Germans.

He was awarded a Companion of the Distinguished Service Order (DSO) - London Gazette, 1 December 1914.  His citation read:

"Henry Noel Atkinson, 2nd Lieut., 3rd Battn, The Cheshire Regiment.

For conspicuous gallantry under heavy fire from both flanks by collecting a few men and checking the enemy, thereby facilitating the retirement of his comrades."