Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Major

Unit:

3rd Canadian Field Company, 1st Canadian Infantry Division, Canadian Army

Recommendation:
On the night of 8/9 December 1943 1st Canadian Infantry Division made an assault across the Moro River (Italy). The 3rd Canadian Field Company, under command of Major Fraser was given the vitally important task of constructing a tank crossing over which supporting arms could be brought up to the assistance of the forward troops. As Major Fraser well knew, the success of the operation very largely depend upon the successful completion of his job by first light.
Although the bridgehead was not complete by 2200 hours, Major Fraser led small parties of his Coy to the site and began work, despite the presence of the enemy on the far bank. Throughout the night the work was interrupted by heavy mortar shell and M.G. fire. Largely through Major Fraser’s drive, ability and superb example to his men, work continued at the crossing and the task was completed on time.
After the tanks had crossed, maintenance on the crossing was essential. In daylight heavy casualties were suffered by the Field Coy. Major Fraser himself slightly wounded saw his job accomplished, personally supervised the dressing of the wounded men and then skillfully extricated the remainder of his company. He himself was the last to leave the crossing.
To this Officer’s fine example and devotion to duty in difficult and very unpleasant conditions, as well as to his personal courage and technical ability can be attributed to a large extent the final success of the Divisional plan.