VC Action: Robert Hope Moncrieff Aitken VC CB (14 April 1828 - 18 September 1887) was 29 years old, and a Lieutenant in the 13th, Bengal Native Infantry, British Indian Army during the Indian Mutiny when the following deeds took place for which he was awarded the VC.

For various acts of gallantry performed during the defence of the Residency of Lucknow from June 30th to November 22nd 1857. Only a few of the gallant acts of bravery and devotion to his country and to his comrades are stated.

Twice he sailed out to bring in cattle as food for the beleaguered garrison. On another occasion, the enemy having set fire to the Bhoosa Stock in the garden, which threatened to spread and ignite the powder magazine, Aitken dashed out, cut down all the tents which might have communicated the flames to the powder, and saved the garrison from fearful danger. Whilst thus occupied he was under a terrific fire from the enemy’s loopholes and housetops. On August 20th the mutineers set fire to the Baillie Guard Gate, by placing inflammable material against it. Aitken was the first to dash out, partially open the gate, and remove the combustibles. On September 25th, by a plucky sortie, he, with his native soldiers, attacked and seized two guns to prevent their being turned against General Havelock’s column, which was advancing to their rescue. On the 26th he led a small party of his regiment to the assault of a barricaded gateway of the Furreed Buksh Palace. By throwing himself against the gate he was able to prevent it being closed, thus giving time for his men to run to his help and force the door. The capture of this position was entirely due to his splendid bravery. On the 29th, during a sortie of the garrison, he volunteered to capture a gun, which harassed our troops by its continuous fire upon them. With four of his men he worked his way through the lanes and houses, shot at the whole time by the enemy from the surrounding houses, and succeeded in reaching the gun. Here he and his little party held their ground until reinforced, when the gun was upset from its carriage and taken back by them to the Residency. Aitken commanded the remains of the 13th N.I. (both Hindostanees and Sikhs) in the movement of retreat from the Residency on the night of November 22nd, under General Sir Colin Campbell, G.C.B., Commander-in-Chief.

Colonel Aitken became Ensign in 1847; Lieutenant in 1853; Captain on February 18th 1861; Brevet-Major February 19th 1861; Major, September 1867; Lieut-Colonel August 1st 1869. He died in September 1887.

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