Frederick Robertson Aikman facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Frederick Robertson Aikman
VC
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| Born | 6 February 1828 Ross, South Lanarkshire |
| Died | 5 October 1888 (aged 60) Hamilton, South Lanarkshire |
| Buried |
Kensal Green Cemetery, London
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| Allegiance |  United Kingdom |
| Service/ |
.svg){kind=small} Bengal Army British India British Army |
| Battles/wars | First Anglo-Sikh War Second Anglo-Sikh War Indian Mutiny |
| Awards |  Victoria Cross |
| Other work | Member of The Honourable Corps of Gentlemen at Arms |
Colonel Frederick Robertson Aikman VC (born 6 February 1828 – died 5 October 1888) was a brave Scottish soldier. He received the Victoria Cross, which is the highest award for bravery in the face of an enemy. This special medal is given to soldiers from the United Kingdom and Commonwealth countries.
Contents
Early Life and Family
Frederick Aikman was born on 6 February 1828. He was baptised a few months later, on 4 May. His father, George Robertson Aikman, was also a Captain in the military. Frederick decided to follow in his father's footsteps and become a soldier too.
Military Service and Achievements
Frederick Aikman joined the Bengal Army, which was part of the British forces in India. He served as a soldier for eighteen years. During his time, he fought in several important wars.
Key Battles and Campaigns
- First Anglo-Sikh War: He was part of this war, including the Battle of Sobraon.
- Second Anglo-Sikh War: He served with Major-General Hugh Wheeler's forces.
- Indian Rebellion of 1857: This was a major conflict. Aikman fought in many battles during this time. These included the Siege of Delhi and the Capture of Lucknow.
Later Career and Retirement
Colonel Aikman retired from the army because of an injury he got while earning his Victoria Cross. On 4 March 1862, he married Louisa Grace Hargreaves.
He later became a member of The Honourable Corps of Gentlemen at Arms. This group serves as the Queen's official bodyguard. He was appointed to this role on 13 May 1865. In 1871, he became a Lieutenant-Colonel Commandant of the part-time Royal East Middlesex Militia. He remained one of the Queen's Bodyguard until his death.
Legacy and Remembrance
Frederick Aikman was one of 55 brave men who received the Victoria Cross and had their portraits painted by Louis William Desanges. These paintings were shown to the public in the 1860s and 1870s. Aikman's painting is now kept at the National Army Museum. The museum also has another painting of him by Captain George Agnew Goldinham. The National Portrait Gallery holds four photographs of Colonel Aikman.
Colonel Aikman passed away suddenly on 5 October 1888. He was at a County Ball in Hamilton, Lanarkshire, when he died. He is buried in Kensal Green Cemetery in London.
