The Scottish Military Research Group - Commemorations Project

Adam Brown · Posted: Tue Feb 24, 2009 11:38 pm Post subject: John Fraser GC, Trinity Academy

John Fraser GC Memorial
Location: Trinity Academy, Craighall Avenue, Edinburgh

Many thanks to Andrew Grant for passing this photograph on to me.

Adam

Adam Brown · Posted: Tue Feb 24, 2009 11:41 pm Post subject:

From CWGC. I assume his MC and Bar were awarded in the First World War

FRASER, JOHN ALEXANDER
Nationality: United Kingdom
Rank: Volunteer
Regiment/Service: British Army Aid Group
Age: 47
Date of Death: 29/10/1943
Awards: G C, M C and Bar
Additional information: Husband of K. E. Fraser, of South Kensington, London.
Casualty Type: Commonwealth War Dead
Grave/Memorial Reference: 1. C. Coll. grave 1-11.
Cemetery: STANLEY MILITARY CEMETERY, HONG KONG

Citation: The following details are given in the London Gazette of October 25th, 1946:- John Alexander Fraser was interned by the Japanese in the Civilian Internment Camp at Stanley. Fully aware of the risks that he ran he engaged continuously in most dangerous activities. He organised escape plans and a clandestine wireless service and succeeded not only in obtaining news from outside but also in getting important information out of the camp. Subjected by the Japanese to prolonged and most severe torture he steadfastly refused to give any information, and was finally executed. His fortitude was such that it was commented upon by the prison guards, and was a very real source of inspiration to others. His magnificent conduct undoubtedly saved the lives of those others whom the Japanese sought to implicate.

Also from the CWGC entry for Stanley Cemetery

The British Army Aid Group was a military establishment which came into being early in 1942 to encourage and facilitate escapes, to assist escapees and to get information and medical supplies into the camps. Attached to the establishment was a large staff of civilian employees operating in an extensive area of enemy held territory and the group gradually developed into an organisation for the collection of intelligence of military value and later into an escape and evasion organisation for the American Air Force.

stuartn · Joined: 13 Dec 2016 Posts: 2551

WMR 76609