121 The Royal Canadian Legion MANITOBA & NORTHWESTERN ONTARIO COMMAND www.mbnwo.ca FRANCIS, Wilfred J. WWII Sergeant Wilfred Francis served in World War II with the Royal Canadian Air Force. His service number was R-71489. He was a member of The Royal Canadian Legion Flin Flon Branch 73. FRASER, Alexander Donald “Don” WWII Don was born on December 17, 1923, to Alex and Elizabeth Fraser in Edrans, Manitoba. His parents emigrated from Scotland after World War I settling in the Edrans area and in 1939, they moved to Winnipeg. Don had a younger brother, William, who was physically handicapped and unable to attend school. He was educated at home by his mother, which was quite an accomplishment at that time. Bill later passed away in the late 1960s. Don graduated from Daniel McIntyre Collegiate in 1941. He worked as an apprentice mechanic before enlisting in the Royal Canadian Air Force on February 2, 1942. He graduated as a pilot from No. 10 SFTS, Dauphin on May 14, 1943. Two months later he was posted to England for Advanced Flying and Operational Training on bombers. On completion of his training, he was posted to the RAF Squadron 23 based in Egypt. Don was then assigned to train bomber crews with No. 76 Operational Training Unit. He completed a tour of operations and was awarded the DFC. Distinguished Flying Cross Citation, 1945 This Pilot Officer has completed a large number of operational missions against targets in Austria and the Balkans. In July 1944, his aircraft was detailed to mine the Danube. Despite opposition from ground fire and machine guns, he descended to a very low altitude and dropped his mines in the required position. Pilot Officer Fraser has also attacked many important oil targets, many of which were heavily defended. In August 1944, he completed a successful sortie against important railway sidings in Hungary although enemy fighters and adverse weather were encountered. Throughout his tour, this Pilot Officer has shown exceptional keenness and efficiency. Don was killed during a “bomber crew” training mission in Israel on April 3, 1945. He was 22 years old. There were no survivors. He is commemorated at Ramleh War Cemetery in Israel. Fraser Lake (64 C/14), southwest of Lynn Lake, was named after him in 1947.
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