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Auction: 23003 - Orders, Decorations and Medals
Lot: 82

(x) Four: Captain D. F. Fraser, Royal Horse Artillery, who was commissioned in the field in 1914, later being appointed Adjutant and 'mentioned' for his fine work

1914 Star, clasp (29521 Sjt. D. Fraser. R.H.A.); British War and Victory Medals, with M.I.D. oakleaves (Capt. D. F. Fraser.); Delhi Durbar 1911 (No. 29521 Sergt. D. F. Fraser "N" bty R.H.A.), contemporarily engraved naming, mounted court-style for wear, edge bruise, very fine (4)

M.I.D. London Gazette 12 March 1918.

Duncan Frederick Fraser was born at Shoreham, Sussex on 19 March 1884 and enlisted (whilst still a boy) on 19 August 1898. Appointed Trumpeter with 'N' (Eagle) Battery on 7 October 1899, due to his young age he was not posted for service in the Anglo-Boer War but managed to find injury all the same: he is listed as suffering a wound to his hand after unfortunately falling off a bicycle while off-duty at Aldershot on 30 July 1901.

Posted to South Africa shortly after the end of hostilities, Fraser was appointed Bombardier there on 16 May 1904 - an impressive jump in rank for one so young, but clearly indicative of his attitude towards his life as a professional soldier. Later ordered to India (22 January 1906) he was promoted Sergeant on 27 March 1908, re-engaging at Mabala on 20 July 1910. Still stationed there the next year Fraser was to take part in the Delhi Durbar celebrations, being one of three Sergeants from 'N' Battery, Royal Horse Artillery to receive the Durbar medal.

Having served in India for many years, Fraser was ordered to return to Britain on the outbreak of the Great War and arrived in the U.K. on 4 September 1914: he was almost immediately posted to France, arriving with 'N' Battery a mere 12 days later. No record survives of the services Fraser performed in the months after the 'Miracle on the Marne', but it was clearly enough to see him commissioned 2nd Lieutenant on 3 December 1914. Remaining with his unit until 7 January 1915, he was posted to the 14th Battery Royal Field Artillery, being advanced Lieutenant with them on 23 December 1915.

Embarking at Marseille, Fraser was ordered to Basra, where he disembarked on 15 January 1915 for service in Mesopotamia. Here he was ordered to 'S' Battery, Royal Field Artillery on 14 March 1916 and served for the rest of the year with them. Promoted Captain on 3 August 1917, Fraser was appointed Adjutant to the Brigade on 17 December 1917; at this stage he was also Second-in-Command of the six-gun 'V' Battery Cadre in Mesopotamia.

There is mention in a letter by the recipient (held with his service papers) of time spent commanding 'V' Battery Cadre in India during a series of riots from April to July 1919 - at some stage after the war Fraser was certainly posted to No. III Reserve Depot. He retired with the rank of Captain on 23 December 1919, and was retained on the Reserve of Officers until 19 March 1934 when his age made him ineligible to continue.

Sold together with copied research comprising medal rolls, correspondence, and service papers.

Subject to 5% tax on Hammer Price in addition to 20% VAT on Buyer’s Premium.

Sold for
£250

Starting price
£160