Peter Aitken was killed in action on this day in 1918.
Peter Aitken was born 1 December 1890 in Edinburgh, the third son of Peter Aitken and Jessie (née Russell) of Bellencrieth Nursery, Bathgate. He was one of nine children, of whom one (George) died in childhood, aged 2yrs..
Peter was employed at the Bathgate Post Office and enlisted in the Royal Scots Fusiliers in March 1916.
In 1917, two brothers were killed in action. John Aitken served in the 17th Royal Scots and was killed in September 1917 (whilst the Pension Card indicates 14 September, the CWGC record the date as 13 September). He is buried in Villers-Faucon Communal Cemetery Extension. James Aitken (born 1897) served in the 7th South Staffordshire Regiment. He was killed on 4 October 1917 and is commemorated on the Tyne Cot Memorial.
Peter was killed in action on 22 March 1918 and is commemorated on the Arras Memorial.
Acting Corporal Peter Aitken No.43276 7th (Service) Bn The Royal Scots Fusiliers
KIA near Vaulx on 22 March 1918.
Source: De Ruvigny's Vol. IV p.2; West Lothian Courier, 24 April 1918; Midlothian Advertiser, 5 April 1918; Linlithgow Gazette, 5 April 1918. 1901 Scotland Census.