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Frederick Temple ATKINSON, Captain
During the defence of Hong Kong in December 1941 Captain Atkinson was Adjutant of the Royal Rifles of Canada. From 5 to 25 December 1941, and particularly between the date of the Japanese landing on the Island of Hong Kong (the night of 18/19 December) up to the conclusion of hostilities, this officer displayed great energy, initiative and courage. In the early hours of 19 December Captain Atkinson went forward from Battalion Headquarters to select a position for "C,' Company which was being heavily pressed and gradually enveloped by the Japanese attackers. The situation on this part of the front was such that definite information could not be obtained until Captain Atkinson, by his initiative and courage contacted the company commander and brought back information that was vital to the defence of the area and to the correct disposition of the battalion. Again, on the morning of 20 December, he went forward on his own initiative with the attacking company, and, after obtaining information about the enemy, returned to Battalion Headquarters. Besides his onerous duties of Adjutant, Captain Atkinson performed many useful and hazardous functions which assisted materially in prolonging the defence.
