Alfred Atkey
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Alfred Atkey (August 16, 1894 - February 10, 1971) was born in Toronto, Ontario. His family headed west to a town called Minebow, Saskatchewan in 1906. He returned to Toronto to work at the Toronto Evening Telegram as a journalist. In 1916 he joined the Royal Flying Corp as a probationary Second Lieutenant. By September 1917, he was a bomber pilot flying Airco DH.4 with the 18th squadron. May 1918, he was flying Bristol F 2B fighter/reconnaissance aircraft with the 22 Squadron, A flight. Along with Charles Gass who was his gunner/observer, they shot down 29 aircraft within a month. His total number of aircraft shot down was 38. His rank was Captain upon leaving the Royal Air Force at the end of the war.
Alfred Atkey received the Military Cross with Bar. The following was written in the London Gazette;
"For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. When engaged on reconnaissance and bombing work, he attacked four scouts, one of which he shot down in flames. Shortly afterwards he attacked four two-seater planes, one of which he brought down out of control. On two previous occasions his formation was attacked by superior numbers of the enemy, three of whom in all were shot down out of control. He has shown exceptional ability and initiative on all occasions." MC citation, Supplement to the London Gazette, 22 June 1918
The following was written when he received the MC Bar;
"For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. During recent operations he destroyed seven enemy machines. When engaged with enemy aircraft, often far superior in numbers, he proved himself a brilliant fighting pilot, and displayed dash and gallantry of a high order." MC Bar citation, Supplement to the London Gazette, 16 September 1918
