William Henry Atkinson

Who is William Henry Atkinson?

William Henry Isaac Atkinson DSC, CD was the highest scoring fighter ace of the Royal Canadian Navy during the Second World War and the last pilot from The Commonwealth to become an ace during the war. Atkinson claimed five aircraft destroyed and two shared. During the war he was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross and was Mentioned in Despatches. Remaining in the navy after the war he was awarded the Canadian Forces Decoration and clasp.

After the war he remained in the Royal Canadian Navy and was eventually promoted to Commander and given command of the destroyer HMCS Haida and the officers training school HMCS Venture before retiring.