Decorated soldier. Born in Cupar, Aitken joined the army and found himself in India as a Lieutenant in the 13th Bengal Native Infantry. There he distinguished himself on multiple occasions while defending the Residency of Lucknow during the Indian Mutiny of 1857. The Residency was the home of the British representative (or Resident General) and hence the seat of British power in the area. As a result of his actions he was awarded the Victoria Cross, unusually with the medal ceremony taking place at the Residency he had helped defend. Aitken later rose to the rank of Colonel in the Bengal Staff Corps.
He died in St. Andrews and lies buried in St. Andrews Eastern Cemetery. He is remembered by a memorial in the gardens of the Residency at Lucknow and his Victoria Cross is held by the National Army Museum in London.
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