A Naval Biographical Dictionary/Atkinson, George
ATKINSON. (Lieut., 1814. f-p., 7; h-p., 33.)
George Atkinson, born 23 Oct. 1793, is brother of Lieut. Thos. Atkinson, R.N.
This officer entered the Royal Naval College 22 May, 1807, and embarked, 3 June, 1810, as Fst.-cl. Vol., on board the Medusa 32, Capt. Hon. Duncombe Pleydell Bouverie, stationed off the coast of France, where he attained the rating of Midshipman, 2 May, 1811. On the night of 4 June, 1812, he served with the boats, under Lieut. Josiah Thompson, at the capture and destruction, in the harbour of Arcasson, of La Dorade French storeship, of 14 guns and 86 men, after a desperate struggle, in which the assailants had 5 men wounded, and in which 63 of the enemy (who had hailed the latter in their approach, and were in every way prepaired for the attack) were either killed or compelled to jump overboard. In the course of the same year Mr. Atkinson was much employed in co-operation with the patriots on the north coast of Spain, where he landed with Capt. Bouverie as his aide-de-camp. In June, 1813, he removed to the Rivoli 74, Capt. Graham Eden Hamond, on the Mediterranean station, and there served, part of his time in charge of a watch, until 21 May, 1814. He was soon afterwards appointed Acting-Lieutenant of the Blenheim 74, but from ill health was unable to join. His official promotion to the rank he now holds took place 25 Aug. 1814. Unsuccessful in his applications for employment, he has since continued on half-pay.
Lieut. Atkinson married, 10 Sept. 1823, Magdalene, youngest daughter of Jas. Strachan, Esq., of Thornton, and formerly of Lauriston, co. Forfar, N.B., by Mary, youngest daughter and co-heir of the late John Leigh, Esq., of Northoourt, Isle of Wight. He has issue three daughters.