Robert Hope Moncrieff Aitken

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Robert Hope Moncrieff Aitken VC CB ( 14 April 1828 - 18 September 1887) was a Scottish recipient of the Victoria Cross, the highest and most prestigious award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces.

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He was 29 years old, and a Lieutenant in the 13th, Bengal Native Infantry, British Indian Army during the Indian Mutiny when the following deed took place for which he was awarded the VC.

From 30 June to 22 November 1857 at Lucknow, India, Lieutenant Aitken performed various acts of gallantry during the defence of the Residency. On one occasion when the enemy had set fire to the Bhoosa Stock in the garden, the lieutenant, and other officers, cut down all the tents in order to stop the fire spreading to the powder magazine which was there. This was done close to the enemy's loopholes under the bright light of the flames. Other exploits included saving the Baillie Guard Gate, taking enemy guns and capturing the Fureed Buksh Palace.

He later achieved the rank of Colonel.

His Victoria Cross is displayed at the National Army Museum (Chelsea, England). He is unique in that the decoration ceremony was performed at the same place, the Residency at Lucknow, and almost on the exact spot where several of his V.C. actions had taken place. He did not, however, receive the actual 'medal' on this occasion, as it had been mislaid.