Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

Son of Mrs. B  AITKEN of Keenan Street, Kalgoorlie, WA

Formerly of the Old 4th Battalion, Bendigo, Vic.

THE LATE LIEUT. AITKEN.
Referring to the late Lieut. Frank Aitken, of the Seaforth Highlanders, 'The Northern Scot,' published at Elgin, Scotland, says:- 'An Australian born and bred. quick and lovable, and a splendid soldier, Second Lieut. Frank Aitken, Seaforth Highlanders, whose death in action has been reported, was one of the most respected men in the local battalion. He was following a nautical career in peace time, and along with him was a Findhorn man, with whom he was very friendly. The two became chums, and when their ship came into Newcastle in December, 1914, they journeyed to Elgin together and enlisted in the second line of the Seafotth.Territorials. During his sojourn in Morayshire, Second  Lieut. Aitken made many friends, and when he went to France in April, 1915, their best wishes went with them. He was wounded in the Somme battle, and after recuperating was nominated for a commission. Being posted to the Seaforths about three months ago, he returned to the front shortly afterwards. When in the ranks he was a favourite with his comrades, who admired him for his manly qualities and his capabilities as a soldier. As an officer, he retained the high favour he had won. Second Lieut. Aitken was 25 years of age , and in the course of his eventful career had been around the world several times. His only brother is a lieutenant in the Australian infantry. His widowed mother, who resides in Kalgoorlie, West Australia, journeyed to this country alone last year to see her two sons, both of whom got leave at the time. After a family reunion in London, Mrs. Aitken visited Elgin and district. The deepest sympathy is extended to her in the loss of her gallant son."
The deceased was well-known in Kalgoorlie. He was an old student of the Central School and later he was employed by Mr. P. F. O'Dea. He came to Kalgoorlie at the age of two  years. His brother. Lieut. Murray Aitken, who was formerly employed at McKenzie's, has been wounded while serving on the French front. Mrs. Aitken resides at 18 Keenan Street, Kalgoorlie.