Frank Keith Aitkin (Aitken)
Personal details
| Mother's name | Gertrude Atkin nee McNamarra |
| Father's name | George Aitkin |
| Date of death | Saturday 7 August 1915 |
| Place of death | At sea |
| Cause of death | Died of wounds |
Service details
| Date enlisted | Saturday 30 January 1915 |
| Rank at enlistment | Private |
| Rank at discharge | Private |
| Service | Infantry |
| Unit | 3rd Battalion |
| Awards | 1914/1915 Star, British War Medal, Victory Medal |
Story
Frank Aitken (Service No 1869) was born in Sydney in 1896. He attended Unanderra Public School near Wollongong, NSW
Frank had spent 18 months with 21st Infantry Militia before he enlisted at the age of 20. At this time Frank was single, worked as a clerk, and lived at Unanderra, NSW
He embarked from Sydney as a Signaller with 4th Reinforcements, 3rd Battalion, on HMAT A9 Shropshire on 17th March 1915.
After arriving in Egypt he was sent to Gallipoli and landed there on 31st May 1915.
While engaged in the battle for Lone Pine Frank was wounded in action. He was evacuated to the hospital ship Dunluce Castle for treatment but died from his wounds while on board.
Frank was buried at sea the same day.
He is commemorated on the Lone Pine Memorial and on the Unanderra Public School Honour Roll.
Information sources
NAA: B2455, AITKEN F KRelated links
http://www.cwgc.org/find-war-dead/casualty/715521/AITKIN,%20FRANK%20KEITH
https://aif.adfa.edu.au/showPerson?pid=1892
https://www.awm.gov.au/people/rolls/R1637707/
https://www.awm.gov.au/people/rolls/R1808750/