NAM.1956-12-2-1

Victoria Cross, 1857. Official replacement awarded to Lt Robert Hope Moncrieff Aitken, 13th Regiment of Bengal Native Infantry. For his various acts of gallantry performed during the Defence of the Residency of Lucknow from 30th June to 22nd November 1857, Indian Mutiny (1857-1859). Lt Aitken was mentioned ten times in despatches connected with the Defence of Lucknow. Various gallant acts of bravery and devotion by Lt Aitken include two instances where he entered the garden under the enemy's loopholes where he brought back cattle as food for his beleaguered garrison. On another occasion, the enemy having set fire to the Bhoosa Stock in the garden, which threatened to spread and ignite the powder magazine, Lt Aitken dashed out and cut down all the tents which might have communicated the flames to the powder, and saved the garrison from danger. On a further occasion, on the night of the 20th August, the enemy having set fire to to the Baillie Guard Gate, Lt Aitken was the first man in the gateway and assisted by some sepoys and a water-carrier from his regiment, he partially opened the gate under heavy fire and having removed the burning wood and straw, saved the gate. Lt Aitken was born on 14th April 1828. He went to India in 1847 and entered the Honourable Company's 13th Regiment of Bengal Native Infantry. Aitken became Ensign in 1847; Lieutenant in 1853; Captain on 18th February 1861; Brevet-Major on 19th February 1861; Major in September 1867; Lieut-Colonel on 1st August 1869. In April 1871, Col Aitken was recommended for the C.B. He died in September 1887.

Lucknow, Siege of, 1857 (Indian Mutiny 1857-1859)