Monday, 31 October 2022

8/198 Private David Thomson Fraser, 21/9/1893-27/11/1918.

 MILITARY FUNERALS

There have been quite a number of military funerals in the city since the outbreak of the influenza epidemic, the victims being returned men. On Saturday three took place, the deceased soldiers being Private David Thomson Fraser, Private Sneedie, and Private James Hendrick. The remains of Private Frsser were buried in the Northern Cemetery, and those of the other two at Anderson's Bay. The Rev. W. A. Hay officiated at the first, and the Rev. R. Scott Allan at the two latter.  -Otago Daily Times, 2/12/1918.


David Fraser's death was probably not caused by Spanish flu.  A quick look at his Army record shows a history of gastro-enteritis (most likely contracted on Gallipoli), malaria and tonsilitis, culminating in "general debility" and discharge on medical grounds, to be invalided home from Egypt in May, 1916..


DEATHS

FRASER - On November 27 at Dunedin Hospital, David Thomson (Dud), third son of Janet and the late David Fraser; aged 25 years.  -Otago Witness, 2/12/1918.


Northern Cemetery, Dunedin.




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