Series 1: Photograph (1916)
Lieutenant William Fraser in his Royal Flying Corps uniform, c.1916.
William Fraser, 7 Squadron, Royal Flying Squadron (RFC) was shot down behind enemy lines in France on 25 October 1916, and died of wounds sustained in the crash. He is remembered at the Arras Memorial in Arras, Nord Pas de Calais, France.
Description
Access
View the items
Series 2: Memorial cards (1916-1918)
Two memorial cards for brothers William and John Fraser who were killed in action during the First World War.
- 2nd Lieutenant William Fraser, 7 Squadron Royal Flying Corps, killed in action October 25, 1916, aged 27 years.
- Private John Fraser, 52nd Infanty Battalion, killed in action August 12, 1918, aged 27 years.
[Items M386/2 and M386/3]
Description
Access
View the items
Series 3: Correspondence (1913-1917)
This series consists of five letters by or relating to William Fraser, and three letters of reference relating to Charles Draughton.
Description
Access
Items in this series:
Letter (12 April 1916)
Letter from William Fraser to his friends Mary and Jamima Gray, in which he recounts the journey to England on a passenger ship, via Wellington, Monte Video, Dakar and Tenerife. He describes the process of his appointment as a 2nd Lieutenant in the Royal Flying Corps, and reports the posting of some other colleagues. He describes sightseeing in London, the cold weather, and the standard of his lodgings, and refers to his aeroplane back home in Queensland.
Description
Access
Letter (11 August 1916)
Letter from William Fraser to his friends, in which he talks about friends from home, and describes a trip to Elgin in Scotland to visit his fathers relatives while on leave. He reports that he completed his course of instruction and is now a qualified Flying Officer, although he is uncertain as to where he will be sent. He also reports that his friends Cherry and Bert Smith are pilot instructors at a flying school in Scotland, and provides news of other friends.
Description
Access
Letter (14 September 1916)
Letter from William Fraser to his friends Mary and Jamima Gray, in which he reports the movements and status of Queensland flying friends now they are all in England. He reports that he was posted as an instructor but was not suitable and was posted to 7 Squadron (RFC) in France. He marvels at the number of airmen Britain has, describes various guns and aircraft, and talks about life in the encampment.
Description
Access
Letter (12 October 1916)
Letter from William Fraser to his friends Mary and Jamima Gray, thanking them for writing so often, and reporting that observational work has been hampered by poor weather, with cloud cover making flying altitude too low to be safe from rifles and field guns. He describes being attacked by a 'hun' and reports that they have 'pushed up' a fair bit.
Description
215 x 170 mm
Access
Letter (4 May 1917)
Letter of confirmation and condolence that William Fraser has been killed. Written by E. Pryor of the Royal Flying Corps Aid Committee and R.F.C. Prisoners' Fund.
Description
Access
Letter (30 November 1913)
Letter to Charles Draughton, from Leslie McGhie written as a parting character reference upon the liquidation of the company by which he was employed.
Description
Letter (7 April 1915)
Reference for Charles Draughton from R. Thallon, Barnes Auto Company (Motor Engineers & Importers).
Description
Letter (20 August 1915)
Reference for Charles Draughton from Frederick Barnes, Barnes Auto Company (Motor Engineers & Importers). The company was liquidated after business fell away during the First World War.