Frederick Robertson Aikman

Colonel Frederick Robertson Aikman VC (6 February 1828 – 5 October 1888) 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.

Details
He was 30 years old, and a lieutenant in the 4th, Bengal Native Infantry, Bengal Army during the Indian Mutiny when the following deed took place on 1 March 1858 near Amethi, India, for which he was awarded the VC: "This Officer, Commanding the 3rd Sikh Cavalry on the advanced Picquet, with one hundred of his men, having obtained information, just as the Force marched on the morning of the 1st of March last, of the proximity, three miles off the high road, of a body of 500 Rebel Infantry, 200 Horse, and 2 Guns, under Moosahib All Ctiuckbdar, attacked and utterly routed them, cutting up more than 100 men, capturing two guns, and driving the survivors into, and over, the Goomtee. This feat was performed under every disadvantage of broken ground, and partially under the flanking fire of an adjoining Fort. Lieutenant Aikman received a severe sabre cut in the face in a personal encounter with several of the enemy."

He ended his military career with the rank of colonel in the Service of the Middlesex Regiment Volunteers. He was appointed a member of The Honourable Corps of Gentlemen at Arms, the Queen’s official bodyguard, on 16 May 1865.

Death
Colonel Aikman, died suddenly on 5 October 1888 during the County Ball at Hamilton, Lanarkshire. He is buried in Kensal Green Cemetery in London.