10 July 1916 : 2/Lt. Cyril Arthur Charles Aitkens
Cyril Arthur Charles Aitkens died of wounds on this day in 1916.
Born at Chislehurst, Kent on 28 June 1893, Cyril was the son of Albert John Aitkens, of Paddock Wood, Kent and Ada Louise (née Knight, daughter of the Lord Mayor of London).
The iconic Memorial Building of Eastbourne College, completed in 1930 in memory of those who served and died during the Great War
He was educated at Eversley School, Southwold and Eastbourne College
Northumberland Engine Works N E Marine Engineers, Wallsend 1910
Cyril was articled to the N.E.Marine Engineering Works for 5 years, but volunteered on the outbreak of war, when he obtained his first appointment in the Tyne Electrical Engineers Corps, and later, was given a commission as 2nd. Lieut. He went to the front on 24 June, 1916, and died only weeks later on 10 July 1916 from wounds received in action (the same day) in Mametz Wood, France.
Artillery Fire on Mametz Wood © IWM Art.IWM ART 2098
He was buried in Queen’s Nullah, near Mametz but his grave was later transferred to Danzig Alley British Cemetery at Mametz. In his pocket-book was found a receipt made out for 12 prisoners, dated 25 June.
2/Lt. Cyril Arthur Charles Aitkens 2nd. Lieut. Special Section, Special Brigade, Royal Engineers
10 July 1916
Sources: Du Ruvigny’s, Eastbourne College History Time Line, Tyne Electrical Engineers, The Long, Long Trail.