Lieutenant William Annifred Fraser served with HQ Company 3rd Parachute Battalion and took part in the Battle of Arnhem, during Op Market Garden. Lieutenant Fraser died on 20 September 1944. He is now buried at Oosterbeek War Cemetery, Arnhem

Born and brought up in Evanton, Ross-Shire, Scotland, William Annfred Fraser joined the 8th Battalion Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders in 1938 in Dunoon. He was appointed to a Commission in February 1941.

Successfully completed parachute jump instruction at RAF Ringway on Course 57. This course ran between 22 March and 11 April 1943. This course took 3 weeks due to the “phenomenally bad weather”. Gales of 90mph were recorded. William’s instructor noted this about his performance “Popular and efficient section leader. Good parachutist.”

William was the Brigade Liaison Officer part of HQ Coy, 3^rd Bn. His body was found on the flat ground south of the Oosterbeek church. Research suggests he’d managed to gather a collection of 120 men and put them in defensive positions in the houses around, what was called ‘The Pavillion’. At 1800hrs on 20 September this force came under fire from MG teams, then at 1830hrs by tanks and SP guns. It is thought William was killed during this attack on the 20 September 1944. Men who survived took cover in the church and became part of ‘The Lonsdale Force’. He was laid to rest in the Commonwealth War Graves Cemetery at Oosterbeek. Plot 17.A.9

Out of an original force of 500 men, only 27 members of The 3^rd Para Bn were capable of walking away from the battle.

Margaret Burgess Aburn added:

"He was a good footballer and played for Ross Country for a time. He enlisted in the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders whilst working as a forester near Dunoon. On receipt of his commission, he joined 3rd Bn Para"