b. 06/02/1828 Ross, Scotland. d. 05/10/1888 Hamilton, Scotland.
Frederick Aikman (1828-1888) was born on 6th February 1828 at Ross, South Lanarkshire, Scotland, the son of a serving officer. He joined the Bengal Army and was commissioned on 18th January 1845 into the 4th Bengal Native Infantry, taking part in the First and Second Sikh Wars. When his regiment mutinied, he raised the volunteer Jalandhar Cavalry, which changed its title to 3rd Sikh Irregular Cavalry. He took part in the Siege of Delhi and capture of Lucknow. He had force-marched from Jalandhar to join General Franks’ Field Force and soon performed the action which saw him awarded the Victoria Cross for his actions on 1st March 1858.
Aikman was commanding the 3rd Sikh Cavalry on an advanced picquet, with 100 men received some intelligence that there was a rebel force three miles away. The body of enemy comprised of 500 infantrymen, 200 horse, and 2 guns and led by Moosahib Ali Chuckbdar, and Aikman immediately chose to attack. They routed the enemy force, cutting up over 100 men, capturing two guns, and drove the survivors back to the Goomtee River. This feat was performed despite the disadvantage of broken ground and under heavy fire from a nearby fort. Aikman received a severe sabre cut to the face during an encounter with the enemy.
Aikman was promoted to Captain and in May, due to his injury, was returned to England on sick leave. He received his medal from Queen Victoria at Buckingham Palace on 8th June 1859 and retired from the Army the following year. The Queen then appointed him as a member of The Honourable Corps of Gentlemen at Arms, the monarch’s official bodyguard, on 13th May 1865.
In 1877, whilst still a member of the Queen’s guard, he was charged with being drunk and disorderly in charge of four horses and a coach. He and a group of friends and servants had been returning from a trip to the Epsom Races when he was arrested for driving recklessly. At the time he was also in command of the Royal East Middlesex Militia and retired as honorary colonel in 1887 and died during a County Ball in Hamilton, Lanarkshire on 5th October 1888. He was buried in a mausoleum in Kensal Green Cemetery, London. His medals are not publicly held.
LOCATION OF MEDAL:NOT PUBLICLY HELD.
BURIAL PLACE: KENSAL GREEN CEMETERY, WEST LONDON.
SQUARE 76/RS, GRAVE 4627
Acknowledgements:
Kevin Brazier – Cemetery Map