VC Action: Frederick Robertson Aikman (6 February 1828 - 5 October 1888) was 30 years old, and a lieutenant in the 4th, Bengal Native Infantry, British Indian Army during the Indian Mutiny when the following deed took place for which he was awarded the VC.

At daybreak on March 1st 1858, near Amethi, India, Lieutenant Aikman, commanding an advanced picket with 100 of his men, obtained information that 500 rebel infantry, 200 horse and two guns under Moosahib Ali Chuckbdar, were three miles off the high road. The lieutenant attacked them without hesitation, utterly routed them, killed 100 of them, captured the guns, and drove the survivors into and over the river Goomtee (in Darjeeling District of Bengal). This splendid feat was accomplished under the great disadvantage of broken ground, and under the heavy flanking fire of an adjacent fort. During the encounter Lieutenant Aikman received a severe sabre-cut across the face, which would ultimately compel him to retire on half-pay.

Colonel Aikman was Commandant for many years of the Royal East Middlesex Militia, and had been a member of the Honourable Corps of Gentlemen-at-Arms from May 13th 1865. On October 6th 1888, he dropped dead while attending a ball in Scotland.

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