Ernest Clive Atkins

Ernest Clive Atkins, the eldest son of Arthur Atkins of Middlefield, Hinckley, was born 13 February 1870.[1][6] He was educated at Bedford Modern School between 1882 and 1886.[6][7][8][9]

Atkins was commissioned 2nd Lieutenant in the 1st Volunteer Battalion of the Leicestershire Regiment on 22 April 1892.[10] He was made Captain in 1896, Major in 1903 and commanded the newly formed 4th Battalion as Lieutenant-Colonel until 1909.[10][11] In 1914, as Lieutenant-Colonel, he raised and commanded the 2/5th Battalion from 1914 until 1917,[12] including during the Easter Rising of 1916.[1][10] After 1917, Atkins commanded battalions of the East Surrey Regiment and the Middlesex Regiment.[10]

Atkins was a military member of the TA Association of Leicestershire from 1908, Vice-Chairman between 1934 and 1938 and chairman from 1938 for which he was made CB.[10] In 1940, he was appointed first Honorary Colonel of the 2/5th Battalion of the Leicestershire Regiment.[13]

Atkins was made a Deputy Lieutenant of Leicestershire in 1928[14] and High Sheriff of Leicestershire in 1931.[3]

In 1900 Atkins married Agnes Pidcock, the daughter of Reverend Benjamin Pidock of Easton, Hampshire.[1] They had three sons and one daughter. Atkins died on 9 January 1953.[1][4]