| Aytoun | Andrew | | Captain | AYTOUN, ANDREW, Captain, was born 2 July I860, son of Robert Aytoun, WS, of Capeldrae, Fife, and of his wife, Helena Louisa Adelaide Maugham. He joined the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders 19 February 1881; became Lieutenant 1 July 1881; was Adjutant, Queensland Volunteer Corps, 6 December 1888 to 31 January 1892; became Captain 26 February 1890; was Adjutant, Militia, 19 September 1892 to 22 February 1898. Captain Aytoun was employed with Colonial Forces, Queensland, from 18 March, 1898. He served in the South African War, 1900-1, in command of the 4th Queensland Contingent (Imperial Bushmen); operations in the Transvaal, east and west of Pretoria, July to 29 November 1900, including action at Zilikat's Nek; operations in the Orange River Colony, May to 29 November 1900. He was mentioned in Despatches [London Gazette, 10 September 1901]; received the Queen's Medal with three clasps, and was created a Companion of the Distinguished Service Order [London Gazette, 27 September 1901]; "Andrew Aytoun, Captain, Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders. In recognition of services during the operations in South Africa". The Insignia were sent to the Colonial Office 27 November 1902, for presentation by Lord Tennyson; returned and presented by the King 12 June, 1903. He was promoted Major 9 August 1902, and retired 2 July 1908. During the European War he served as Assistant Embarkation Officer, with the temporary rank of Colonel. He was created a CMG in 1917; a CBE in 1919; was made Officer of the Crown of Belgium, 1917, and Officer of the Legion of Honour, France, 1918. He married, in 1889, Helen Lilias, fourth daughter of Robert Graham, of Fintry, and their son, Robert Merlin Graham, born 19 January 1890, Lieutenant, Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders, died 27 August 1914, of wounds received the previous day at Le Cateau.
Source: DSO recipients (VC and DSO Book) | (Princess Louise's) Sutherland and Argyll Highland |
