H Aitkenhead initially enlisted into the King’s Own Yorkshire Light Infantry, prior to volunteering for airborne forces.He attended RAF Ringway for parachute course 52, which ran from 22 February to 8 March 1943. Upon completion he was posted to the 7th (Light Infantry) Parachute Battalion. The course reports read: ‘Pte Aitkenhead. Good – a keen and able man.’

Sgt Aitkenhead fought in the campaigns of North West Europe and became Platoon Sergeant with 3 Platoon.