Three: General Alexander Fraser, Bengal Engineers

Sutlej 1845-46, for Sobraon 1846 (Lieutt. A. Fraser Engineers) naming officially re-engraved in running script; Punjab 1848-49, 2 clasps, Mooltan, Goojerat (Lieutt. & Adjt. A. Fraser Sappers & Miners) naming officially re-engraved in running script; India General Service 1854-94, 1 clasp, Pegu (Lieut. A. Fraser Engineers) naming officially re-engraved in running script, contact marks and toned, otherwise very fine (3) £500-600

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, The Collection of Medals formed by the late Tim Ash.

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Sold with a comprehensive file of research including a copy of the article by Tim Ash published in the O.M.R.S. Journal for December 2008, and an original portrait photograph by Elliot & Fry.Fraser’s three campaign medals were lost at sea when the boat containing his personal property capsized during the fourth (1862-63) season of work on the Alguada Reef Lighthouse, these official replacements being issued at the public expense by the Calcutta Mint on behalf of the Government of India.

Alexander Fraser was born at Prestbury, Gloucestershire, on 8 May 1824. He joined the Bengal Engineers in 1843, and ‘two years later served through the campaign on the Sutlej, being decorated for his conduct at the battle of Sobraon. He took part also in the Punjab Campaign and the Burmese War under General Steel, again receiving the medal and clasp. He obtained his Colonelcy in 1874, and from 1873 to 1879 acted as Chief Engineer to the Public Works Department in the North West Provinces. He was universally loved for his sterling qualities of mind and heart, his unassuming manners, and retiring disposition. For forty years he served his country well, and was known in Burma as the ‘Star of India’, for the numerous lighthouses erected under his direction on the Burmese and Indian coasts. General Fraser occupied himself in later years with Indian Railways, being Chairman of H.H. the Nizam’s and also Rohilkund and Kumaon Railways’ (Obituary refers).

In recognition of his services in the building of the Alguada Reef Lighthouse, Fraser was made a Companion of the Bath C.B. (Civil) on 21 March 1866. After the failure of his marriage after many years, Fraser took up with Charlotte Monica Smith in 1883, and out of wedlock had two sons, Cecil born 25 July 1886, and Bruce Austin born 5 February 1888. Bruce Alexander was destined to become Admiral of the Fleet Lord Fraser of North Cape, who sank the German battle cruiser Scharnhorst in December 1943, and later signed the instrument of Japan’s surrender for Britain, on 2 September 1945.

Alexander Fraser died at Rochford, Essex, on 11 June 1898, aged 74.