John McIntosh FRASER

Regimental number12/540
AddressWhangarei
Marital statusSingle
Next of kinJ Fraser, Otaika, Whangarei
Rank on embarkationPrivate
Enlistment statusVolunteer
Unit nameNew Zealand Expeditionary Force, Main Body, Auckland Infantry Battalion
Embarkation detailsUnit embarked from Wellington on 16 October 1914
The Auckland Infantry Battalion in the Main Body left New Zealand on board two ships, HMNZT 8 ('Star of India') and HMNZT 12 ('Waimana'). It is not possible from the Nominal Roll to determine on which ship an individual embarked.
Final rankCorporal
Final unitAuckland Infantry Regiment
FateKilled in Action 16 August 1918
Place of burial24
Miscellaneous information from
  cemetery records
Gommecourt Wood New Cemetery (Plot III, Row B, Grave No 21), Foncquevillers, France
Medals

Military Medal

'For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty in the field on 26th March 1918, north east of Mailly Maillet. When his Platoon Officer and all the N.C.O's became casualties L/C Fraser organised the Platoon under heavy machine gun fire and led them forward capturing the final objective. He again organised the Platoon and consolidated the position.'
Source: 'London Gazette'
Date: 12 June 1918

Bar to Military Medal

'For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty during a raid on enemy's trench south of Serre Road on the 15th May 1918. This N.C.O was in charge of the left party and owing to shell falling among them and coming under machine gun fire as soon as the party left our trenches they became disorganised. It was only this N.C.O's example and quick decision in altering his dispositions that the party rallied and carried on to the objective. He then led his men through the trench and himself accounted for five of the enemy.'
Source: 'London Gazette'
Date: 7 October 1918

Other details

War service: Egypt, Gallipoli, Western Front

Medals: Military Medal, 1914-15 Star, British War Medal, Victory Medal
Miscellaneous detailsNominal Roll Vol. 1: Auckland Infantry Batln/Main Body