John George FRASER

Regimental number2043
Place of birthRiverton South Australia
ReligionPresbyterian
OccupationFarmer
AddressElliston, West Coast, South Australia
Marital statusMarried
Age at embarkation35
Next of kinWife, Mrs Ida May Fraser, Elliston, West Coast, South Australia
Enlistment date6 April 1916
Rank on enlistmentPrivate
Unit name48th Battalion, 3rd Reinforcement
AWM Embarkation Roll number23/65/3
Embarkation detailsUnit embarked from Adelaide, South Australia, on board HMAT A48 Seang Bee on 13 July 1916
Rank from Nominal RollPrivate
Unit from Nominal Roll48th Battalion
Recommendations (Medals and Awards)

Distinguished Conduct Medal (Altered to Military Medal)


Work at Lihons on20 August 1918.
Recommendation date: 23 August 1918

FateReturned to Australia 27 May 1919
Medals

Military Medal

'For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty at LIHONS on the 20th August 1918. Enemy snipers were very active and held commanding positions causing the front line troops a great amount of trouble. Private FRASER went out and secured sniping position in the vicinity of the front line. On the 21st August Private FRASER killed two of the enemy and wounded a third. Up to that time the Germans had been very aggressive. At 11 a.m. on the 22nd August a heavy barrage was put down on our front line and support and although in a concealed and not protected position Private FRASER remained on duty, killing three more of the enemy who exposed themselves to observe the effect of the barrage. Immediately the barrage lifted Private FRASER observed a party of ten of the enemy endeavouring to re-occupy a forward post that had been withdrawn during the barrage and was responsible for killing two more of this party and wounding a third. In addition to silencing enemy sniping, so saving a number of casualties, the information gained by Private FRASER was of the greatest value to the front line. His work during the whole tour displayed an untiring energy and utter disregard to personal safety which greatly inspired the front line men.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 109
Date: 15 September 1919

Other details

War service: Western Front

Medals: Military Medal, British War Medal, Victory Medal
Date of death1927
Age at death46
Place of burialColton Cemetery, Eyre Peninsula, South Australia