John Aikten

Key Information

Name: John Aitken

DoB: 22/08/1920

Regt: 953705 RAF

DoD: 21/09/1941 aged 21

Buried/Commemorated Remembered with honour
CARLISLE (DALSTON ROAD) CEMETERY

Academic Career: DCS 1932-37

Other:

Biographical Information

Family Background

Family Background: Son of Thomas and Elizabeth Aitken, of Carlisle.
Thomas had been a railway clerk in Annan. His parents were James (Corn
Miller/Labourer) from Annan and Annie Bell from Kirkcudbright. Mother Elizabeth
nee Martin. John was the oldest of 6 children.
Academic Record
War Record

War Service: Sergeant 953705, 214 Sqdn., Royal Air Force
Volunteer Reserve

Wireless operator/air gunner

“Wellington Mark II W5452 BU-U aircraft, with six air crew
members from 214 Squadron on board, took off from RAF Stradishall , in Suffolk,
on an operation over Berlin. The mission successful, the aircraft was on its
return flight when, low on fuel, it was diverted to RAF Manston, in Kent, due
to heavy fog in Stradishall. Attempting an emergency landing, the Wellington
crashed into some trees; five of the airmen perished and one was badly injured
in the accident.

The five casualties were-

RAFVR Pilot Officer Cyril William Abrey

RAFVR Sergeant John Aitken

RAFVR Sergeant Ivan John Green

RAFVR Sergeant Laurence Douglas Kissack and

RCAF pilot Officer John Benjamin Ruston.”*

The airmen who survived was Pilot Officer
White**
Other
Sources