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Clan Fraser Stories
Every month we choose a Scottish Clan to celebrate and throughout January we have been shining a light on the ferocious Frasers. We received some amazing stories over the last few weeks from members of the clan, far and wide. We are delighted to share our favourite stories with you and the rest of the clan today!
Robert Fraser
Robert Fraser attended what sounds like an amazing Clan Gathering in Argentina back in 2019, members travelled from all over the world to join together to share their love for their Clan. This is definitely the most exotic clan gathering we've been lucky enough to find out about!
125 descendants and relatives of Douglas Fraser (1804-1868) of Arbroath, Scotland, gathered for the first time in November 2019 in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Besides historical presentations, attendants enjoyed live tango music and a performance of the St Andrew’s Society of the River Plate Pipe Band, with plenty of time to reconnect and meet relatives they knew nothing about. Family trees were displayed so everybody could check how they were related to everyone else. Fraser relatives travelled from the UK, USA, Canada, Australia, Perú, Uruguay and Chile, joining the local Argentine branches of the family. All of them were thrilled to have participated!
Eleanor Smith
Eleanor's grandfather, Ian Edward Fraser, was awarded a Victoria Cross Award during the Second World War. Ian was a Lieutenant in the Royal Naval Reserve and born in London. He joined the forces in 1938 and after a few years training and serving on the destroyer Keith. By 1945, Fraser was in command of the midget submarine XE.3, which had three other crew members. He was given the task of sinking the 10,000 ton Japanese cruiser, Takao, only a week before the atomic bomb was dropped on Hiroshima, which turned out to be one of the most daring tasks of the Second World War! Before sinking the ship, Fraser had to journey forty-miles through wrecks, minefields, listening posts and surface patrols. They had to attach explosives to the bottom of the ship, they were successful in their mission and Fraser and the lead diver Magennis were both awarded VC's for their bravery during the mission.
What a story, we are blown away by the bravery of Ian!
The story of the Fraser Sims
Iain Fraser Sim, told us all about his family tree and the story of the Fraser Sims. Iain is the third generation of Fraser Sims, but he has since gone on to have children of his own and also grandchildren expanding the family to five generations. Iain sadly has no photos left of him and his father, after losing them shortly after his father died, but he has sent us a lovely picture of his pride and joy, his son, Stuart, and his grandkids Jack and Sophia. Read on to find out about his Fraser family tree:
My Grandad, Gordon Fraser Sim, was 16 when WW1 broke out and was not at that time eligible to “join up”. However as the war drew on he then became of age and so was drafted into the army. He did not join Lovat’s Scouts as might have been expected, but did join another Highland Regiment.... The Seaforth Highlanders. My attempts to locate his records took me to Fort George, near Inverness, to the Regiment’s books. I thought I had found the right place and recruited one of Fort George’s staff to research further.
In no time at all I had bitter sweet news. The Regiment at that time took few details from recruits and recorded my Grandad as private GF Sim and assigned to service Battalion 7 and went straight over to France after training. He survived the war (I’m here to prove it)
Now, I did have the opportunity to consult the National Archives in Kew, but guess what ? The blinking Jerries destroyed whatever remained of the Regiment’s archives in the Blitz of WW2, bless ‘em.
So I cannot say with much authority that the GF Sim that Fort George’s records show, are in fact, my grandad, save for a few tenuous coincidences.
I wish I had the presence of mind at the time to ask my Grandad, or my Dad, what he did during the war.
Grandad went on to a Position in the Scottish Milk Marketing Board where he was presented with his obligatory gold watch for 30 years service.
The moral of the story is don’t wait to ask questions. You may not get another chance.
Fraser in his Fraser Kilt
Helen sent us a picture of her grandson, Fraser, proudly wearing his Fraser Kilt. Fraser lives in Frimley and was born to an English father and Scottish mother, he is very proud of his Scottish roots and he even supports the Scottish rugby team. Fraser and his brother enjoy attending Scotland's home six nations matches at Murrayfield before rushing back down to Frimley so they make School on a Monday! Fraser was very excited his Fraser Red Tartan Kilt for us!
Alexander Fraser
During our celebrations of Clan Fraser we were lucky enough to speak to Alexander Fraser, the Operations Manager of the newly opened Market Street Hotel in Edinburgh. Alexander also recently trained to be a professional Toastmaster. He is very in touch with his Scottish roots and very proud of his Fraser Heritage. Watch Anna's interview with Alexander to hear all about his Clan Fraser story!
January may be coming to an end, but our love for Clan Fraser will never end, so if you want to chat all things Fraser or in fact any clan at all we would love to hear from you!
