One pervasive image of the First World War is that those who died were young and inexperienced soldiers who signed up following the declaration of war in August 1914. This is certainly the case for many of the fallen, but a lot of theearly casualties in the war were experienced soldiers already serving in the army.

The Hon. Alfred Henry Maitland was a Major of the Cameron Highlanders and has seen action in Sudan and served in the Boer War. Maitland was awarded the Queen’s South Africa Medal with five clasps. He was 41 years old when killed at the Battle of the Aisneleading an attack upon German positions on the Chemin des Dames near Cerny. He was initially reported as ‘wounded and missing’ in The Times on 21st September. It was not until 3 days later that his death was confirmed.