Born in Ballarat, Victoria and station hand, Francis Morton Atkinson was 29 years and single when enlisted on the 24th of December 1914 in the MED26.49.1SECTIONB, Australian Imperial Force, with the rank of Private, Number 3303. Family/military connections Brother: 2183 Private Charles Radnie Atkinson, 13th Light Horse Regiment. Proceeded to join M.E.F. Gallipoli on the 30th of August 1915. Transferred to the 1st Casualty Clearing Station Hospital, ANZAC on the 24th of November 1915. Promoted to be Corporal on the 24th of November 1916, France. Admitted to Hospital sick, France on the 5th of February 1918. Invalided on the 20th of May 1918 in France. Embarked return to Australia per 'Somerset' on the 4th of December 1918. Disembarked on the 15th of January 1919. Discharged on the 9th of March 1919. Tree No.480