Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Five: Major J. S. Fraser, Royal Engineers

1939-45 Star; Defence and War Medals 1939-45, with named card box of issue, addressed to ‘Maj. J. S. Fraser, 28 Woodmill Terrace, Dunfermline, Fife’; Army Emergency Reserve Decoration, E.II.R., reverse officially dated 1961, with Second Award Bar, the reverse of this officially dated 1961, with integral top riband bar, in Royal Mint case of issue; Special Constabulary Long Service Medal, G.VI.R., 1st issue, 1 clasp, Long Service 1958 (John S. Fraser) in named ‘Fife’ card box of issue; together with the recipient’s King’s Badge, in card box of issue; silver identity bracelet ‘67377 Major J. S. Fraser Pres.’; and the recipient’s Regular Army Reserve of Officers lapel badge, extremely fine (5) £300-£400

John Strachan Fraser was born in Stirling on 14 March 1908, the son of John Fraser, architect of Dunfermline, and the older brother of Major Colin Campbell Fraser. Between 1925 and 1928 he attended classes at the School of Architecture, Edinburgh College of Art, before starting his working life with Dick Peddie and Walker Todd. Whilst working, he continued his studies and was admitted Associate of ARIBA in 1931. He was commissioned second lieutenant in the Royal Engineers Supplementary Reserve of Officers in March 1936, and served during the Second World War, rising to the rank of acting major. His wartime service is largely unknown; however, it is known he was invalided at some point and received the King’s Badge. In 1949, he was promoted captain in Reserve of Officers and was awarded the Army Emergency Reserve Decoration with a Second Award Bar in 1961 (London Gazette 19 September 1961). He relinquished his commission in the Regular Army Reserve of Officers in 1963, having reached the age limit, retaining the rank of honorary major. He died in Dunfermline on 24 March 1990.

Sold with the recipient’s riband bar, the E.R.D. with two rosettes; named enclosure for the Reservists’ Badge; and copied research, including a photographic image of the recipient.

For the M.C. group awarded to the recipient’s brother Major C. C. Fraser, see Lot 159.