World War 1
Search the known records to date of those lost from the wider Alnwick area in World War 1
Generally showing where they are commemorated, when they died and some basic facts about each person. There are gaps, however, so if you can fill in any missing details do please contact us.
John Douglas Campbell Aikman
Forename(s):
John Douglas Campbell
Surname:
Aikman
Initial(s):
J D C
Service Number:
235553
Rank:
Private
Regiment:
Northumberland Fusiliers, 9th (Service) Battalion
Died:
25/11/1917
Aged:
22
Buried:
Arras Memorial (Faubourg d'Amiens Cemetery)
Service History:
Enlisted at Newcastle upon Tyne, Northumberland.
Formerly Trooper 270634, 2nd Line Northumberland Hussars.
It is unknown where Aikman served before joining the Northumberland Fusiliers.
Until April 1916, the Hussars engaged in coastal defence & training in England, & replaced casualties in the 1st Line formation serving on the Western Front. The unit was then split into individual Squadrons, one of which was sent to Ireland on the outbreak of the Easter Monday Rebellion & remained there for 8 months.
The 2nd Line was reunited in February 1917, & sailed for France & Flanders on the night of 18-19 March. They fought in various actions during the Arras Offensive between April & June.
On 25 September 1917 the 2nd Line Northumberland Hussars was absorbed by the Northumberland Fusiliers 9th (Service) Battalion, which became the 9th (Northumberland Hussars Yeomanry) Battalion. Through October 1917 they were in & out of the front line. A period of training followed, then, on 24 November, they marched to the Hindenburg Line.
On 25 November two men were killed by enemy grenades & another by heavy machine gun fire whilst offloading rations. Aikman was one of those three men killed.
(Source: 'Felton War Memorial: The Men behind the names'; Eleanor George [formerly Hall]; 2009; p. 49)
Background:
Known as Douglas, born in 1895, at Gosforth, Newcastle, to Thomas Lewens Aikman (a Coachman, in 1911 employed at Swarland Hall) & Margaret Crozier (née Woodman).
Before enlistment, Aikman was a Groom at Hartington Hall, Northumberland.
(Source: 'Felton War Memorial: The Men behind the names'; Eleanor George [formerly Hall]; 2009; p. 49)
Local Memorial:
Felton War Memorial incorporating Acton, Eshott, Swarland & Thirston
Newton-on-the-Moor, Roll of Honour in the Village Hall
(Source: For Newton, newmp.org.uk)