First World War Victory Medal – Private Donald John Fraser, 6th Bn. Cameron Highlanders – Taken POW 1st August 1917 Ypres
Victory Medal – 201030 PTE. D. J. FRASER. CAMERONS.
Donald John Fraser was born on 13th October 1889 in Inverness, and lived at 1 Ness Place, Haugh Road, Inverness. Prior to the war he was employed as a journeyman jeweller with Fraser, Ferguson and Macbean, a well-known Inverness firm.
He attested for the 4th Battalion, Cameron Highlanders on 24th November 1915, initially entering the Army Reserve, before being mobilised on 31st May 1916. He later served with “C” Company, 6th Battalion, Cameron Highlanders, with whom he went overseas.
Fraser was reported missing during the fighting around Ypres, and was subsequently confirmed to have been captured and taken Prisoner of War on 1st August 1917.
Contemporary newspaper reports give a clear and personal insight into his situation at the time. One early report states:
“Mrs Fraser, Ness Place, Haugh, Inverness, has received a post-card from her son, Pte. Donald Fraser, stating that he is a prisoner-of-war in Germany. Pte. Fraser was a journeyman jeweller in Fraser, Ferguson, and Macbean’s establishment previous to enlisting in the Cameron Highlanders. He has been missing since the end of August.”
A later and more detailed report confirms his status and includes a reassuring letter sent home:
“LETTER FROM PRISONER OF WAR.—Mrs Fraser, Ness Place, Haugh Road, has received a letter from her son, Pte. Donald John Fraser, Cameron Highlanders, who had been reported missing, but is a prisoner of war. In his letter Pte. Fraser says:—‘I am all right, getting along first-rate, and always in the best of health. Our camp here is very comfortable and up-to-date. There are a fine concert hall and picture-house, also a fine band, which helps to make things very cheerful for us all.’ Pte. Fraser, before joining the colours, was on the staff of Fraser, Ferguson, and Macbean, jewellers.”
These accounts not only confirm his capture and imprisonment in Germany, but also provide a rare first-hand glimpse into conditions within a German POW camp, as described in his own words.
Fraser survived his captivity, and his story stands as a strong example of a Cameron Highlander taken prisoner during the Third Battle of Ypres, with well-documented local reporting linking his service, capture, and civilian background in Inverness.
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