Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

Son of John Archibald Aitken, 'Elleray,' Alma Street, Ashfield, New South Wales

Aitken was born in Ashfield Hospital on the 4th of January, 1895.  He had 6 siblings, Robert Harold, George Bruce, Agnes Bell, Alice, Mary, and Margaret Grace ¹. Aitken received his education at Petersham Superior Public School before he enrolled in Sydney Technical Day School after receiving a scholarship. His experience at the school is mostly unknown as records of his academic achievements have not been found.

He found his calling early in life, as by the age of 21 he was employed as a surveyor’s assistant, shown in his enlistment papers when he responded to the question “What is your trade or calling?” with the aforementioned response ². He worked as a surveyor later in life.

Aitken enlisted in World War One on the 23rd of October, 1916 at the age of 21 ¾ ². He left Australia on the 10th of February 1917 on the RMS Osterley joining the 6th Field Company Engineers. He worked as a sapper ², a lower level mechanic or surveyor who worked in the field during war. Aitken was on the front lines completing tasks such as bridge construction, trench excavation, and gun maintenance ⁵.

Aitken married Marion Frances Jenkins Aitken in December of 1917 ¹, however, this date contradicts papers in the National Archive that show no leave taken. The date of his wedding was likely later, probably after the war had finished.

Aitken likely participated in the battles of the Menin Road and the Hindenburg Line to name a few. Aitken was promoted to the rank of Lance Corporal on the 15th of December, 1917. His Service and Casualty Form  shows that he fell ill with Influenza on the 1st of March 1919 and rejoined his company 14 days afterwards ³.

Aitken returned to Australia from the war on the 4th of July, 1919 on the ship “Norman” ³. He returned from war without any serious physical injuries or illnesses.

Aitken’s life after the war was work, then retirement. He furthered his career, becoming a licensed state surveyor on the 17th of October, 1919 ⁶. He later bought a house in Greenacre in November of 1920,  living there until his passing. John Leighton Aitken enlisted in World War 2 in March, 1942, where he fought in the Royal Australian Air Force, being promoted to flying officer by the end of the war ⁴. Aitken survived both wars and retired in 1972 ⁷. He died of natural causes on the 1st of March, 1978.

References

¹ Ancestry DNA

² Registration papers via National Archives of Australia

³ Service and casualty form via National Archives of Australia

⁴ John Leighton Aitken, Virtual War Memorial Australia

⁵ 6th Field company Engineers, Virtual War Memorial Australia

⁶ Lands Department Notices, New South Wales Government Gazette, 17th October, 1919 via Trove

⁷ New South Wales Government Gazette, 1st December, 1972

Bibliography

Ken Stevenson, Research Google Drive

https://vwma.org.au/explore/people/68383 (/explore/people/68383)

https://recordsearch.naa.gov.au/SearchNRetrieve/Interface/ViewImage.aspx?B=3023762 (recordsearch.naa.gov.au)

https://aif.adfa.edu.au/showPerson?pid=1841 (aif.adfa.edu.au)