Aylmer Donald Fraser

Rank:

Private

Regimental number:

11351

Unit at enlistment:

4th Battalion

Force:

C.E.F.

Volunteered or conscripted:

Volunteered

Survived the war:

Yes

Wounded:

Yes

Cemetery:

Paris Cemetery, Paris, Ontario

Commemorated at:

Paris Baptist Church

Birth country:

Canada

Birth county:

Brant

Birth city:

Paris, Ontario

Address at enlistment:

Dumfries Street, Paris Ontario

Next of kin address:

Dumfries Street, Paris Ontario

Trade or calling:

Contractor

Religious denominations:

Baptist

Marital status:

Married

Image gallery:

Letters and documents

BX May 6, 1915

An official telegram was received yesterday by Mrs. A.D. Fraser announcing that her husband Private Aylmer Donald Fraser had been wounded in the recent fighting. Pte. Fraser is the first Paris born boy to fall in battle, and his hosts of friends learned of his wounding with sincere regret. He was one of the best known young men in Paris, where he always took an active part in all kinds of sports. He was best known as goal keeper for the Paris hockey team, and also played on the baseball team and Y.M.C.A. basketball team. He was a veteran of the Boer War and one of the first to enlist from Paris, joining the first detachment of the Dufferin Rifles. His wife and three children reside at the family residence on Dumfries Street. Miss Fraser of the Whitaker Baking Co., Brantford is a sister, and a brother, Pte. A.C. Fraser is now with the 19th Battalion at Toronto.

BX May 18, 1915

Tells of Injuries

Mrs. Fraser received a letter yesterday from her husband, Private Aylmer Donald Fraser, giving particulars of his injuries, which consist of a wound in the right side and two in the right leg. He is at present confined in St. George’s ward in the American Women’s Hospital at Paignton, South Devon. The wounds in his leg are healing nicely, but that in the side is very painful. The doctors have inserted a tube in his side, and it will be at least a month before he is able to leave his bed. He states that the hospital is splendidly equipped and is receiving every care and attention. He is also anxious to hear how the rest of the Paris boys fared in the battle.

BX November 20, 1915

Many Invalided Men Arrived

Four Brant County men have been returned to Canada, invalided out of the service owing to wounds. Three of these have been taken to the Soldiers’ Convalescent Home in Toronto, these being Private Harold Joseph Ireland, 36th Battalion, Kennedy Street, city; Bugler Albert Charles Lewis, 1st Battalion, 139 Chestnut Avenue, city and Pte. Charles H. Bloxham, 10th Battalion. The fourth, Private Aylmer Donald Fraser of Paris, returned to Paris. The men formed part of the 142 men who arrived at Toronto yesterday and who were given a big reception in Toronto. It is not known when they will come home here.

BX November 23, 1915

Private A.D. Fraser Returned Home – Paris Member of the “Mad Fourth” Invalided Back From the Front

PARIS, Nov. 22 – Private Aylmer Donald Fraser of the “Mad Fourth” arrived home last night and although still suffering somewhat from his wounds, is looking remarkably well after his experiences. He stated he was glad to be home with his family and it was certainly a happy reunion. He came unannounced, not even his own family knowing of his arrival until he entered his home. However, the news spread like wildfire and many were the callers at his home. Today he will be given the place of honor in the reception of the 84th Battalion from Brantford. When seen by your correspondent he preferred not to talk, but simply to say that he was home, and feeling pretty good.

BX March 20, 1916

Langemarck Hero Loses His Wife

Mrs. A.D. Fraser Answered Call After a Week’s Illness

Paris News Notes

PARIS, Mar. 20. A very sad death, and one which has created profound sympathy, took place Friday morning, when Margaret M. Smith, beloved wife of Aylmer D. Fraser, passed away to the great beyond, after a week’s illness. What makes the death doubly sad is that her husband, who was a member of the 4th Battalion, returned home about the first of December, having been severely wounded at the battle of Langemarck, and from which he is still suffering. Besides her sorrowing husband, three little ones are left to mourn the loss of a loving wife and devoted mother. She also leaves her father, Mr. Joseph Smith of Brantford and four sisters and three brothers, viz.; Mrs. J. Long, Mrs. Barlow, Mrs. Dickenson, Wesley, Henry and Webster Smith, all of Brantford, and one sister in Flint, Mich. The funeral took place this afternoon from the family residence, Dumfries Street, t Paris cemetery, and was largely attended, the services at the house and grave being conducted by Rev. Dr. Sowerby. The floral tributes were exceptionally beautiful, among them being a handsome sheaf of calla lilies from Mr. Fraser’s comrades of the 4th Canadians.

BX December 21, 1939

Aylmer Donald Fraser

The death of Aylmer D. Fraser took place late Wednesday night in Woodstock, following a lengthy and painful illness. Mr. Fraser was a well-known and highly respected citizen of Paris, of which he was a life-long resident. He was Postmaster of Paris for the past 15 years and previous to that service was employed in the Paris Customs Department. He served in the South African and First Great War and received wounds in France from which he suffered throughout the past years. Always interested in sports, Mr. Fraser was prominent in promoting lacrosse and hockey in Paris. He leaves to mourn his loss two sons, Donald and Kenneth, Paris; one daughter, Mrs. Dr. L. R. Braden, Ottawa; one sister, Miss Florence Fraser, Brantford and two brothers Gordon, Kenora, and Lorne, Syracuse, N.Y. The funeral will be held Saturday.