George Atkinson was born in Worksop, Nottinghamshire in 1858 and attested with the Royal Welsh Fusiliers on 12 Apr 1875 aged 17 years and 5 months.
Atkinson served in India from 16 Aug 1880 to 12 Apr 1888, promoted to Corporal on 12 Feb 1876, Sergeant on 19 Nov 1876, achieving the rank of Colour Sergeant before being discharged on 13 Apr 1896.