from the book :- They Shall Grow not Old, page 5

Aitken, John R. Sgt (P) 528206 - Royal Air Force, from Antigonish, Nova Scotia. Killed in Action. Jan.16/44 age 26 ( later corrected to 24). #34 squadron (Lupus Volt Lupus Volat) Hurricane aircraft lost in operations. Sergeant Pilot Aikens is buried in Burma.

from McTear's Auctions Glasgow, Scotland

WWII MEDAL GROUP AWARDED TO CORPORAL JOHN R. AITKEN R.A.F.,
comprising the George V British Empire Medal (inscribed '528206...') cased, the 1939-45 Medal, the Defence Medal, The Africa Star, The 1939-45 Star, four photographs of him in uniform, a framed certificate of the King's order for his name to be published in the London Gazette, 1945, as well an article detailing 'On one occasion Corporal Aitken assisted in rendering harmless a D.A. bomb, which was still "ticking", and which was discovered in a workshop over 24hours after three other bombs of a similar type had exploded in it. Some 20-30 minutes were spent in rendering this bomb harmless, and throughout this period Corporal Aitken's behaviour was exemplary.'

CENTRAL CHANCERY OF THE ORDERS OF KNIGHTHOOD.
St. James's Palace, S.W. 1.
14th August, 1942.

The KING has been graciously pleased to approve the award of the British Empire Medal (Military Division) to the undermentioned: %97

528206 Corporal John Rankin Aitken, Royal Air Force,

652901 Corporal Robert Christopher Mason, Royal Air Force,

1063929 Corporal Richard O'Brien, Royal Air Force.

These airmen, who are employed on bomb disposal duties, have displayed courage and devotion to duty of a high standard. During the past five months their aerodrome in Malta has been subjected to intense and almost continuous enemy air attacks and a very large number of delayed action bombs have been dropped. They have been called upon, both by day and night, to carry out their duties in the face of many dangers and flying operations have never been held up. Corporals Aitken, Mason and O'Brien have displayed great devotion to duty and complete disregard for their own safety. They have saved many aircraft from destruction and have set an example of the highest order.

Third Supplement (LG 35667 dated 14 Aug 42) to LG dated 11 Aug 42

from the book :- They Shall Grow not Old, page 5

Aitken, John R. Sgt (P) 528206 - Royal Air Force, from Antigonish, Nova Scotia. Killed in Action. Jan.16/44 age 26 ( later corrected to 24). #34 squadron (Lupus Volt Lupus Volat) Hurricane aircraft lost in operations. Sergeant Pilot Aikens is buried in Burma.

from McTear's Auctions Glasgow, Scotland

WWII MEDAL GROUP AWARDED TO CORPORAL JOHN R. AITKEN R.A.F.,
comprising the George V British Empire Medal (inscribed '528206...') cased, the 1939-45 Medal, the Defence Medal, The Africa Star, The 1939-45 Star, four photographs of him in uniform, a framed certificate of the King's order for his name to be published in the London Gazette, 1945, as well an article detailing 'On one occasion Corporal Aitken assisted in rendering harmless a D.A. bomb, which was still "ticking", and which was discovered in a workshop over 24hours after three other bombs of a similar type had exploded in it. Some 20-30 minutes were spent in rendering this bomb harmless, and throughout this period Corporal Aitken's behaviour was exemplary.'

CENTRAL CHANCERY OF THE ORDERS OF KNIGHTHOOD.
St. James's Palace, S.W. 1.
14th August, 1942.

The KING has been graciously pleased to approve the award of the British Empire Medal (Military Division) to the undermentioned: %97

528206 Corporal John Rankin Aitken, Royal Air Force,

652901 Corporal Robert Christopher Mason, Royal Air Force,

1063929 Corporal Richard O'Brien, Royal Air Force.

These airmen, who are employed on bomb disposal duties, have displayed courage and devotion to duty of a high standard. During the past five months their aerodrome in Malta has been subjected to intense and almost continuous enemy air attacks and a very large number of delayed action bombs have been dropped. They have been called upon, both by day and night, to carry out their duties in the face of many dangers and flying operations have never been held up. Corporals Aitken, Mason and O'Brien have displayed great devotion to duty and complete disregard for their own safety. They have saved many aircraft from destruction and have set an example of the highest order.

Third Supplement (LG 35667 dated 14 Aug 42) to LG dated 11 Aug 42