Sergeant John Fraser

Sergeant, 15th Battalion, Infantry (Army). 1914-08-12 to 1918-08-08

Source: LAC files

See also Kim Beattie, "48th Highlanders of Canada, 1891 to 1928" (digital version) at pgs 289-291

Mobilized at Toronto, Ontario with the 48th Highlanders. Attested to the CEF at Valcartier Camp on September 20, 1914. Sailed with the 15th Battalion as part of the First Canadian Contingent aboard SS Megantic from Quebec City to Devonport, October 03-14, 1914.

He was ill and hospitalized when the 15th Battalion proceeded to France and attached to the 17th Battalion at Tidworth Barracks on February 01, 1915. He rejoined the 15th Battalion at Vlamertinghe, Belgium on May 03.

April 26, 1916 he reported sick to 1st Field Ambulance. Diagnosed with suspected Typhoid, he was transferred to the 10th Casualty Clearing Station. May 21 he was admitted to the 10th Stationary Hospital, St Omer, now diagnosed with pneumonia. Four days later he was evacuated to England aboard HS Stad Antwerpen and attached to the Canadian Casualty Assembly Centre, Folkestone, for administrative purposes. Admitted to the 3rd Southern General Hospital, Oxford on May 26. On June 07 he was transferred to Bearwood Convalescent Hospital, Wokingham, and discharged to duty two weeks later. On June 23 he was attached to 17th Reserve Battalion for duty, and granted convalescent furlough. He overstayed his leave and was reported absent without leave from July 04-11.

August 14 he was attached to the 92nd Battalion at East Sandling Camp. August 25 he was granted permission to marry Miss Margaretta Horn. He went Absent Without Leave on September 06, getting married three days later. He was apprehended on October 10 and returned to East Sandling. He was court-martialled on October 26, sentenced to 56 days' detention at Wandsworth. His release date was not stated on file.

On January 04, 1917 he was attached to the 5th Reserve Battalion pending return to France. On April 09 he was posted back to the 15th Battalion and proceeded to France, rejoining the battalion at Willerval on April 18.

Promoted to Acting Lance Corporal on April 11; then to Acting Corporal on May 09.

September 23, 1917 he was buried by a shell explosion and injured at Conductor Trench, Lens and hospitalized until November 30. He rejoined the 15th Battalion at Gouy-Servins on December 06. On rejoining, he was confirmed in rank of Corporal and appointed Acting Sergeant.

On February 13, 1918 he participated in a trench raid on Humbug Trench, Lens, led by Lt AG Donald. He actions are described in the battalion history (refer to "Research Notes" on the main page of this entry).

He reverted to his permanent rank of Corporal on April 21, and voluntarily reverted to Private on July 03.

Killed in action during the attack on Hangard Wood on August 08, 1918 by a shell wound to the head. His body was later found by Lt JS Leighton of the Intelligence Section.