For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty on the 7th August, 1915, during the attack on Chunuk Bair (Dardanelles). While advancing up a narrow gully with precipitous sides, his battalion suddenly came on a strongly defended post, which barred the way, and from which a heavy rifle fire was directed on the head of the column. Sergeant Atkins, getting his section in hand, without hesitation rushed the position, captured and held it. He displayed great bravery and coolness, and set a splendid example to all with him.'
Source: 'London Gazette'
Date: 29 November 1915

Regimental number	6/884
Address	Christchurch
Marital status	Single
Next of kin	Mother, Mrs M A Nicholson, Bay Road, Northcote, Auckland
Previous military service	Served in South Africa (Boer War), 1900-02; Baden Powell Police, 1903-04.
Rank on embarkation	Private
Enlistment status	Volunteer
Unit name	New Zealand Expeditionary Force, Main Body, Canterbury Infantry Battalion
Embarkation details	Unit embarked from Wellington on 16 October 1914
	The Canterbury Infantry Battalion, Main Body, left New Zealand on board two ships, 'Tahiti' and 'Athenic'. It is not possible from the Nominal Roll to determine on which ship an individual embarked.
Medals	Distinguished Conduct Medal For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty on the 7th August, 1915, during the attack on Chunuk Bair (Dardanelles). While advancing up a narrow gully with precipitous sides, his battalion suddenly came on a strongly defended post, which barred the way, and from which a heavy rifle fire was directed on the head of the column. Sergeant Atkins, getting his section in hand, without hesitation rushed the position, captured and held it. He displayed great bravery and coolness, and set a splendid example to all with him.' Source: 'London Gazette' Date: 29 November 1915
Miscellaneous details	Nominal Roll Vol. 1