Second Lieutenant Michael P Aiken

Michael P Aiken joined Parachute Regiment in January 1960 at Maida Barracks, Aldershot in 249 Platoon. He a private soldier and potential officer (PO) on the then Short Service Commission scheme.

After passing P Coy he had his wings presented by Earl Mountbatten of Burma at Maida.

Pte Aiken immediately did a Non Commissioned Officers’ (NCO) Cadre, as did all POs, and became a small arms weapon training instructor in the Depot.

In February 1961 passed the Selection Board for officer training and went to Mons Officer Cadet School (OCS) and commissioned into the Royal Northumberland Fusiliers in July 1961 as a second Lieutenant, joining the regiment as a Platoon Commander in Hong Kong

Micheal left regular Army in June 1965 for career in business and served for a year with 10 PARA TA.