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 of Peter's 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 records 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.

43276 Acting Corporal Peter Aitken, 7th (Service) Bn The Royal Scots Fusiliers