Arthur Leslie Fraser
- Family History
- Military History
- Extra Information
- Photographs
Arthur was born on 6th November 1887 in Nottingham and was the son of William Fraser and Alice Mary Fraser (née Ingram).He had three siblings: Florence Mary b1884, Francis William b1886 and Arnold Frederick b1891. His father William, a solicitor, died on 22nd June 1891 aged 35 years In the 1911 census the family was living at 288 Mansfield Road, Nottingham. Head of household was the widowed Alice Mary Fraser (b. Southwell) who was 'living on her own means'. Also in the home on the night of the census were her three unmarried sons: Francis William 25 years, a solicitor; Arthur Leslie 23 years, 'living on private means' and Arnold Frederick 20 years, a solicitor. He married Edith Norton Watts in 1916 (J/A/S Nottingham); they lived at 6 Sherwood Rise, Nottingham. Following her husband's death Edith lived at 'Siesta', Seacroft, Skegness, Lincolnshire.Probate proven Nottingham 4th June 1918: Arthur Leslie Fraser of 6 Sherwood Rise, Nottingham, 2nd Lieut in HM army, died 1st July 1917 in France. Administration of his Will was awarded to his widow Edith Norton Fraser. Effects £272 13 shillings and 3 pence. His brothers Arnold and Francis served as Gunners in the war, also in the Royal Garrison Artillery. Both survived the war .
Arthur enlisted in the Army and appointed second lieutenant in the Royal Garrison Artillery. He died of wounds on 1st July 1917 and was buried in Lapugnoy Military Cemetery, France (grave ref IV.E.15).CWGC Lapugnoy Military Cemetery: 'The first burials were made in Plot I of the cemetery in September 1915, but it was most heavily used during the Battle of Arras, which began in April 1917. The dead were brought to the cemetery from casualty clearing stations, chiefly the 18th and the 23rd at Lapugnoy and Lozinghem, but between May and August 1918 the cemetery was used by fighting units.'
(WMA 38800) Inscription on memorial in St John of Beverley, Scarrington: 'In affectionate remembrance of Arthur Leslie Fraser, Second Lieutenant Royal Garrison Artillery, born Novr 6th 1887, died June 30th (sic) 1917. He gave his life in the service of his country during the European War, 1914-1918. Buried in France. RIP'Inscription on family grave, Nottingham Church (Rock) Cemetery: : '(William Frederick Fraser) Also of his son, Arthur Leslie Fraser, Lieut RGA born November 6th 1887, died of wounds received in action, France, July 1st 1917.'
