Born in Ballarat, near town of Eagerton, Alfred Ernest Atkinson was 26 years and single when enlisted on the 19th of August 1914 in the 8th Battalion, B Company, Australian Imperial Force, with the rank of Private, Number 270. Unit embarked from Melbourne, Victoria, on board Transport A24 'Benalla' on the 19th of October 1914. Returned to Australia on the 31st of October 1915. Placed on supernumerary list as ANZAC on the 24th of November 1915. Previous military experience includes 5 years military experience and still serving. 8th Battalion A.I.F. Promoted to the rank of Corporal on the 28th of April 1915 at Gallipoli. Gunshot wound hands and face on the 7th of August 1915. Injury eye and hand admitted Heliopolis on the 15th of August 1915. Embarked for Australia for discharge (Chronic Rheumatism) from Suez on 31st of October 1915. Discharged on the 5th of May 1916. Tree No. 2209