Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Indian Mutiny 1857-59, no clasp (Lieut. D. M. Fraser, 80th Regt.) nearly very fine £400-£500

Donald Maclean Fraser was born in Scotland on 25 September 1829, son of Captain Simon Fraser, 80th Foot, who was subsequently killed at the battle of Ferozeshuhur. Upon the death of his father, he was granted a commission as Ensign in the 80th Foot on 8 May 1846, aged 17, and was promoted to Lieutenant on 10 June 1849.

He served with the 80th Foot in the Burmese War of 1852-53, and was present in the attack of Martaban, was with the storming party at the capture of Rangoon, Grand Dragon Pagoda, first capture of Pegu, capture and occupation of Prome, and several minor operations (Medal with clasp). He served in the suppression of the Indian Mutiny in 1858, was present at the affair of Hurrah, and the campaign in Oude in October, November, December and January 1858-59 (Medal).

Fraser was promoted to Captain in the 23rd Foot on 26 March 1858, and exchanged into the 70th Foot on 20 November 1860. He died in London on 19 September 1864, as reported in the Sydney Morning Herald of 16th December 1864:

‘Donald Maclean Fraser, Captain 70th Regiment, who died in London 19th September, 1864, at the early age of thirty-six, was the youngest son of the late Captain Simon Fraser, of the 80th Regiment, who was killed while gallantly leading on his men at Ferozeshah, in India leaving his widow, Mrs Fraser, of Liverpool, New South Wales and five children on the plains of Umballs, within hearing of the cannon roar. He served with the 80th Regiment in the Burmese war of 1852 and 1853. He also served in the suppression of the Indian Mutiny in 1858, also during the New Zealand war. Captain D. M. Fraser was a most devoted son - devoting a great portion of his means towards assisting his fond and widowed mother, up to the time of his decease. Deeply regretted by his brother officers and a very large circle of friends in New South Wales, India and England.’