James Henry Percival FRAZER

Regimental number2164
Place of birthBinnaway New South Wales
ReligionChurch of England
OccupationSleeper cutter
AddressBaradine, New South Wales
Marital statusMarried
Age at embarkation24
Next of kinWife, Mrs Gladys Malinda Frazer, Baradine, New South Wales
Enlistment date28 February 1916
Rank on enlistmentPrivate
Unit name53rd Battalion, 4th Reinforcement
AWM Embarkation Roll number23/70/3
Embarkation detailsUnit embarked from Sydney, New South Wales, on board HMAT A44 Vestalia on 11 July 1916
Rank from Nominal RollPrivate
Unit from Nominal Roll19th Battalion
FateReturned to Australia 2 March 1919
Medals

Military Medal

'On morning of 9th October, 1917, during attack on enemy east of ZONNEBEKE, Private FRAZER volunteered for stretcher bearing in the front area. Under extremely heavy shell and sniping fire, and notwithstanding heavy weather conditions, he worked incessantly throughout the day removing wounded comrades from positions of great danger. He was undoubtedly instrumental in saving many lives and showed absolute disregard for his own safety in carrying through the heaviest barrages.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 76
Date: 23 May 1918

Bar to Military Medal

'During the attack on MT. ST. QUENTIN, near PERONNE, on 31st August, 1918, L/Cpl. FRAZER showed great courage and initiative in effectively handling his LEWIS gun under the most adverse conditions. When heavy casualties were being inflicted on his company by intense enemy machine gun enfilade fire, he voluntarily took up a position forward of the front line, in order to obtain command over the enemy. He crawled with his Lewis gun to a shell hole although exposed to considerable danger, and kept up a heavy and continuous fire on the enemy. He continually exposed himself in order to keep his gun in action and his courageous efforts resulted in heavy casualties to the enemy. L/Cpl. FRAZER remained in this position until relieved on the following afternoon and his untiring energy and devotion to duty during this long period undoubtedly saved his company many casualties and safeguarded this position.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 75
Date: 17 June 1919

Other details

War service: Western Front

Medals: Military Medal & Bar, British War Medal, Victory Medal