‍Roderick James Fraser was born on August 22, 1915, In Vancouver, BC.

 On March 20, 1940, Cpl Roderick Fraser, joined the Royal Canadian Air Force.

He served overseas in 1943 with No. 426 Squadron, flying Wellington Bombers.

Mentioned in Despatches:

FRASER, Roderick James Corporal, No.426 Squadron, R57629 Mention in Despatches RCAF Personnel Awards 1939-1949

Description

FRASER, Corporal Roderick James (R57629) - Mention in Despatches - No.426 Squadron - Award effective 14 June 1945 as per London Gazette of that date and AFRO 1647/45 dated 26 October 1945. Born 22 August 1915. Home in Lloydminster, Saskatchewan; enlisted in Vancouver, 20 March 1940 as Aero Engine Mechanic. To Technical Training School, St, Thomas, 5 April 1940. To No.4 SFTS, 18 September 1940. Promoted AC1, 1 October 1940. Promoted LAC, 1 December 1940. To No.10 SFTS, 8 May 1941. To No.13 Operational Training Squadron, 11 December 1941. To Station Patricia Bay, date uncertain. Promoted Corporal, 1 August 1942. To “Y” Depot, 11 January 1943. To RAF overseas, 2 February 1943. Repatriated 18 June 1945. To No.8 OTU, 19 June 1945. Retired 6 September 1945. Postwar he worked for Canadian Pacific, Queen Charlotte Airways, Okanagan Helicopters and Deltaire Industries and Highland Helicopters.. Died in Langley or Victoria, 3 August 2003 as per Royal Canadian Legion “Last Post” website and Legion Magazine of November/December 2003. AFRO gives unit only as \"Overseas\"; DHist file 181.009 D.1725 (PAC RG.24 Vol 20607) has list of MiDs this date giving unit as Linton-on-Ouse. However, DHist file 181.009 D.1719 (PAC RG.24 Vol.20606) has recommendation forwarded 3 February 1945 when it stated he had served 34 months in Canada, 24 months overseas, and tying him to No.426 Squadron. MiD again, 1 January 1946. Had been recommended for MiD as early as 18 July 1944; see DHist file 181.009 D.1511 (RG.24. Vol.20600) as \"a very competent and capable aero engine mechanic.\" Fitter IIE. This airman has been with No.426 (RCAF) Squadron since he arrived overseas. A very hard worker, conscientious and dependable, his trade knowledge is such that on many occasions he has been detailed to service aircraft at strange aerodromes. In all occasions the aircraft have returned serviceable in record time and thus available for operations. By his willingness to work long hours, day and night, in adverse weather in order to meet operational requirements, he has proven himself to be a perfect leader of the highest calibre. His cheerfulness and proficiency in his trade have won him the respect of all those with whom he comes in contact. FRASER, Corporal Roderick James (R57629) - Mention in Despatches - Linton-on-Ouse - Award effective 1 January 1946 as per London Gazette of that date and AFRO 388/46 dated 12 April 1946. Identified in AFRO as \"Overseas\". McEwen papers (CWM) with list of recommendations with MiD recommendations for 1 February to 31 July 1945 identifies unit. No citation. DHist file 181.009 D.4431 (RG.24 Vol.20649) has recommendation dated 18 July 1944 from No.426 Squadron when he had been in Canada (20 March 1940 to 2 February 1943) and overseas since February 3rd, 1943. Fitter IIE. Recommendation read: This NCO is a very competent and capable aero engine mechanic and has an enviable record for serviceability of engines with this squadron. His skill and diligence have been largely responsible for the efficiency of aircraft of this squadron on operational sorties. He is extremely reliable and is an outstanding leader. The high standard of this NCO\'s workmanship and outstanding devotion to duty fully merits recognition and I strongly recommend that he be awarded a \"Mention in Despatches\".
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