Fraser, John William
Personal Information
Rank | Sgt |
Forename(s) | John William |
Surname | Fraser |
Gender | M |
Age | 19 |
Decorations | |
Date of Death | 02-10-1944 |
Next of Kin | Son of John Gordon Fraser and Gladys Fraser (née Williams), of Grand Mere, Québec , Canada. |
Aircraft Information
Aircraft | Armstrong Whitworth Whitley V |
Serial Number | P5102 |
Markings | ZV-H |
Memorial Information
Burial/Memorial Country | United Kingdom |
Burial/Memorial Place | Kinloss Abbey Burial Ground |
Grave Reference | Grave 68. Row C. |
Epitaph |
IBCC Memorial Information
Phase | 1 |
Panel Number | 37 |
Enlistment Information
Service Number | R/219037 |
Service | Royal Canadian Air Force |
Group | 91 |
Squadron | 19 OTU |
Trade | Navigator |
Country of Origin | Canada |
Other Memorials
Location | Off A96, Balnageith near Forres, Grampian, Scotland |
Country | United Kingdom |
Memorial Type | Stone Cairn, Inscribed Metal Plaques & Aircraft Sculpture |
Memorial Text | Dedicated to all who served with 19 OTU, RAF Forres |
Miscellaneous Information
John was born at Grand Mere, Québec on 3 December 1924. His father was born in Montreal and worked as a Chief Clerk and his mother was born in London, England. He had a young brother, James, and three sisters Brenda Grace, Gladys Mary and Elizabeth Stephanie (the latter two both married). He attended Laurentine School 1930-1938 and again 1939-1942 (Scientific). The sports he enjoyed were hockey, basketball, badminton, golf and swimming. John worked as an apprentice at Shawinigan Falls for Canadian Industries Ltd, Chemists, from 1942 onwards and then enlisted on 9 February 1945. |
After training he was posted to the U.K. and embarked from Halifax on 30 March 1944. He arrived at 3PRC (RCAF) on 8 April 1944, and was then at 9 (0) AFU 27 June 1944, and 19 OTU 25 July 1944. Sadly this nineteen year old was to lose his life on 2 October 1944 when the aircraft he was in crashed just two minutes after take-off. |
Commonwealth War Graves Commission
Fellow Servicemen
Last Operation Information
Start Date | 02-10-1944 |
End Date | 02-10-1944 |
Takeoff Station | Forres |
Day/Night Raid | Day |
Operation | Training |
Reason for Loss | Engine is believed to have failed on take-off and the Whitley crashed into nearby trees |