Fraser D

454 RAAF Squadron

Squadron Leader Donald D Fraser

Service Number: 400672

454 RAAF Squadron Left to Right - Don Fraser Pilot,

Charlie Matthews Navigator B, "Kanga" Davis WAG,

"Woppy" Wardlow WAG

Squadron Leader Donald D. Fraser

Flight Commander

Baltimore Sqdn. Died 27.7.97

Crew:

S/Ldr Don Fraser – Pilot

F/Lt Charlie Matthews Nav.B

S/Ldr Lindsay (Woppy) Wardlaw

F/Sgt “Kanga” Davis WAG

A member of No.1 Course Empire Training Scheme at Ballarat and Point Pirie, Don Fraser arrived in the Middle East in July 1941. He joined 47 RAF Wellesley Squadron as Bomb Aimer and Gunner. He served in Abysinia until the Italians surrendered, then in Air Sea Rescue in the Mediterranean theatre. Realising his heavy build was unsuitable for operating a gun turret he reclassified for pilot training in Rhodesia, and was posted to 454 RAAF, after converting to Blenheims, then Baltimores.

After a period flying long range and some bombing sorties from Berka !!! at Benghasi, Don moved with 454 to medium level formation close support bombing for the 8th Army from Italian bases. He led many formation strikes. His crew completed their tour at Cesanatico, Italy. Such a varied air crew career attested to his versatility.

After discharge 2.6.46 (enlisted 12.l0.40) Don resumed farming in the Eastern Districts of Victoria and served as President of the local Legacy Club for many years.

Fraser's crew (and others) at Falconara on the way to aircraft - dispersed after briefing for a formation strike on the Gothic Line in support of 8th Army. Don Fraser P, Charlie McLeod P, Kanga Davis WAG, Charlie Matthews NavB, Mac Hume P.

Donald D FRAZER