Private T. Atherton enlisted in the Manchester Regiment in late 1895, thereafter attending a string of Regimental Court-Martials with resultant confinement, his offences ranging from desertion to 'robbery with violence'. The latter crime was committed in South Africa in March 1902, following his participation in the Defence of Ladysmith and an earlier offence of being found asleep at his post in late 1900. The unfortunate Atherton was finally discharged in November 1908.