James Liddell Aitken
Personal details
| Date of birth | Sunday 9 August 1896 |
| Mother's name | Margaret (nee Liddell) |
| Father's name | James Aitken |
| Date of death | Friday 25 May 1973 |
| Place of death | Albion Park |
Service details
| Date enlisted | Saturday 3 July 1915 |
| Rank at enlistment | Private |
| Rank at discharge | Private |
| Service | Infantry |
| Unit | 19th Battalion |
| Awards | 1914/1915 Star, British War Medal, Victory Medal |
Story
Private James Aitken (Service no. 2103) was born in Scotland and at the age of 14 travelled to Australia with his 18 year old brother Archie. They came to the Illawarra and resided with their uncle at Mount Kembla.
Enlistment documents indicate James spent 12 months with the 28th Light Horse Regiment before he enlisted in the AIF. He embarked with 4th Reinforcements, 19th Battalion on HMAT A8 Argyllshire on 30th September, 1915.
He served on the Western Front and while in the front line was wounded in action during the Somme fighting. A terrifying event ended his war. James was buried alive by a shell. He was evacuated to England a few days later with shell shock.
James was returned to Australia in April 1917 and discharged medically unfit on 22nd May, 1917. On 26th September, 1917 he married Bessie Sawtell and they resided in Tullimbar and raised a family.
James Liddell Aitken died on 25th May, 1973 and is buried with Bessie in Albion Park Cemetery. His brother Archie also served under the name of Archie Aitken Millar.
James' service is commemorated on the Albion Park Anglican Church Honour Roll.