Born 1847, he joined the Army in 1866. He fought in the Afghan War of 1878-79 and from 1884-86 he was on the Afghan Boundary Commission, which was to serve him in good stead when he was responsible for the security of the Aden Boundary Commission 1902-04. Prior to taking over from Brigadier General More Molyneaux CB DSO as Political Resident in June 1901, he was Military Secretary in India from 1896-1901. He was appointed CB in 1896.

Maitland, as a Brevet lieutenant Colonel was on the Afghan Boundary Commission 1884-86. His appointment before coming to Aden as Resident was Military Secretary to the Government of India. This post he held from 1896-1901. His Afghan experience was useful for the Aden Boundary Commission which was doing most of its work during his last two and a bit years in Aden. Although Colonel Wahab was the British Commissioner, Maitland was responsible for the security of the Commission. Maitland retired from the Army on leaving Aden and died in 1932.