Notes
His biography on the college website (see references) states: ‘Ian was born in London on January 4th 1905, the third and youngest son of Malcolm Rucker Aird and Nellie Margaret Dummett. He was baptised on February 23rd at St. John’s Church, Paddington. His father’s occupation was “constructor” and they were living at 3, Hyde Park Square. In 1911, they employed nine servants. The Aird family were constructional engineers and Ian’s grandfather, John, was created the 1st Baronet in 1901.
Ian was educated at Malvern College and Matriculated in 1924. He captained the Christ Church cricket team and played hockey for the college. On going down in 1927, he joined Thomas de la Rue & Company and became a Director in 1935. He was Gazetted on September 13th 1939 (late Cadet C.S.M., Malvern Coll. Contgt., Jun. Div., O.T.C.) to be 2nd Lt. 2nd Sept. 1939 in the Royal Armoured Corps 3rd/4th County of London Yeomanry (Sharpshooters). He joined the Regiment at Washford along with Lt. R. Aird [his older brother Ronald] on September 20th 1939.
The award of the Distinguished Service Order was gazetted on August 31st 1944 “For gallant and distinguished service in Normandy.” He was serving with the rank of Major when he was killed, accidentally, on December 17th 1944 in Surrey.
His funeral took place at Woolton Hill church at 2.30.p.m. on December 20th and he is buried in the churchyard of St. Thomas, Woolton Hill near Newbury. [The London train which left Paddington at 12.30.p.m. was met at Newbury station. No flowers were requested.] His name is on the MCC Memorial. His medals are in the Museum at Hever Castle.