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Scottish-born in Fifeshire, on the 9th November, 1911, Charles’ hometown was known for being the home of Scottish monarchs. He was the son of Daniel and Mary Shoolbread Fraser, one of seven children including two sisters, Meg and Nell and five brothers Jim (who later served in the AIF as SX26871), John, Gordon and Christopher (SX7699 in the 2/48th Battalion). Their father, Daniel, had also served in a Scottish Regiment in WWI, which probably also influenced three of his sons to later enlist for WWII. Charles and his siblings were educated in Scotland before the family emigrated to South Australia.
Charles was a talented soccer player, gaining his early skills as a youth growing up in Scotland then transferring them to the local South Australian Soccer League Competition where the team’s inclusion of the word ‘Thistle’ reflected the Scottish heritage of its players. The team was promoted to play in Division One in 1933, experiencing continued success for a number of years with the quality of their senior players. Charles also captained the team, playing alongside close friend, Walter Everett. A talented forward, Charles was consistently in the best player list through his attacking play, strategic thinking, fast running, elusiveness and regular goal scoring. His talents were recognised with various awards and trophies as well as Premierships.
By ’35 the News was lauding Port Thistle as being ‘recognised as one of the finest teams seen in South Australia for some years, and league premiers in the last two years.’ The talented and successful team played in a much-vaunted game against a representative team chosen from all other league teams called ‘The Rest’. Port Thistle was praised for its triumph for system and fitness as well as the slick passing between forwards, including Charles and Walter.
Charles was employed at the local Richard’s Motor Works on Anzac Highway, Keswick. He married Kathleen Augusta (Kathy) Leahy and the young couple lived in Hall Street, Norwood with their two children Valma and Don. However, upsettingly on the 12th September 1939, Charles’ mother, Mary aged 60 died at home and was laid to rest in the West Terrace Cemetery.
In less than a year afterwards, WWII had erupted. Charles and his close friend and fellow soccer player, Essex-born Walter Everett enlisted on the 29th June 1940, just prior to Charles’ 29th birthday. They were allocated successive numbers, Charles SX7260 and Walter SX7261. At a similar time, other opposition soccer players, included Manchester-born James Hinson SX7429 as well as Hertfordshire born Charles Harding, SX7796 also enlisted with all being allocated to the newly formed 2/48th Battalion. These talented players were later to catch up in quite different circumstances and play a match together in the same team. Their initial days were spent in the cold of the Pavilions, now part of the Royal Adelaide Showgrounds before the new enlistees headed to Woodside for their preliminary training.
By November ’40 Charles’ leadership was evident in his promotion to A/Cpl before the 2/48th contingent embarked on the Stratheden for the Middle East, on the 7th November 1940, arriving on the 19th December 1940. Soon after, Charles was again promoted, to Corporal. Their 2/48th Battalion completed a few months training in Cyrenaica.
While there the Infantry organised a soccer game against British teams with Joseph Moffitt of the 2/10th Captaining the team. South Australians from the 2/48th Battalion who played included Charles Fraser (who later died 25th October ’42) and Walter Everett (who survived the war), both of whom played for Port Thistle in the local competition, James Hinson (killed in Action on 31st October ’42) who played locally for Birkala Rovers and Charles Harding, who had played for Sturt. The Advertiser reported in March ’41 that over fifteen games played, the South Australian team won 12 and lost three.
By the start of April 1941, the 2/48th were in Tobruk where the dust, flies, heat, minimal water supplies and constant bombardment were quite a challenge to new enlistees. They were to become the famed Rats of Tobruk.
Within five months, in September ‘41, Charles was further promoted to Acting Sergeant, however after a bout of illness (diarrhoea) requiring hospitalisation he briefly reverted to the rank of Colonel but the challenging conditions in the desert caused a range of illnesses to occur. These included Catarrhal Jaundice, often associated with malaria, followed by an appendectomy before Charles was again being promoted and again relinquishing that promotion to remain Corporal at the end of November ’41. Charles undertook and qualified in a course called ‘M.E. Gas School’ before re-joining his battalion as Sergeant.
Unwanted news reached Charles that his 66-year-old father, Daniel had died on the 10th August ’42. He was buried with Charles’ mother in the West Terrace Cemetery and not to know of the fate that would befall Charles. In the less than hygienic conditions, Charles suffered yet another debilitating bout of diarrhoea and subsequent enteritis which made for physical discomfort and further hospitalisation before he was finally able to return to his battalion on the 23rd October. A month later Staff Sgt Charles was killed in action in an horrific explosion in action in Egypt on the 25th October, 1942. He was 30 years old.
John Glenn in ‘Tobruk to Tarakan’ describes the carnage caused by the chance hit by an enemy shell on a truck loaded with mines.
‘An ear shattering explosion dwarfed the sound of the guns into insignificance. Seven other trucks, all ladened with mines, had been set off. The whole area became a ghastly raging inferno. As trucks burned and exploded a great wall of fire shot into the sky. The gun flashes seemed dimmed; night was turned into day. The concussion was terrific. Steve Fitzgerald who was bringing up the mortar truck, which was laden with bombs, was seventy or so yards behind the trucks when the first one went off. His vehicle rocked in the blast, and, blinded by the flash, he was thrown clear out of it and onto the ground. Russ Lucas and Doug Richardson, who were manning a wireless set in a nearby trench, were temporarily stunned, but by gallant effort they got one man out of the trucks. He died in their arms. Parts of their wireless set were never found; the batteries were picked up two hundred yards away. Two thousand mines went up in this explosion; all the war equipment of both B and D Companies was destroyed. Of the ten men who were in the vehicles, not one was saved. They were: Corporal R. Bryant, W.D. Cockshell, W.C. Quinn, J.J. Buckley, H.S. Searle, W.A. Craig, C. Fraser, C.H. Schulz, C.E. Dolling and F. Parkyn.’
Charles’ death was reported back home in the Advertiser on the 23rd November: ‘Mrs C. Fraser. of Rundle Street. Kent Town, has been notified that her husband. Sgt. Charles Fraser. was killed in action in Egypt on October 25- Sgt. Fraser saw ser vice in Syria. Libya, and Tobruk. Before enlisting he was employed at Richards's motor works, and was captain of Port Thistle soccer team. He has two brothers in the A.I.F.’
Charles was initially buried in the field with those who were killed with him. He was later re-buried on the 25th January ’43 then on the 27th March 1945 in the El Alamein Cemetery, Plot A IV Row E. Grave 13. His family chose the inscription for his headstone ‘Greater Love Hath No Man’. He now lies with Corporal Roland Bryant SX7296 and Privates Harry Searle SX8143, William A Craig WX9850, William D.C. Cockshell SX10464, Charles E. Dolling SX13512, Joseph Buckley SX8459, William C. Quinn SX7176, Clem Schulz SX7732 and Sergeant Charlie Fraser SX7260, all from the 2/48th Battalion and killed in the same explosion.
His soccer team mates Wally Everett and his family, and Steve Lister SX7276 continued to remember Charles through the ‘Heroes of the Empire’ for many years. He is also remembered with a plaque on his parents’ grave in the West Terrace Cemetery.
Advertiser Monday 23 November 1942, FRASER. —A tribute to S-Sgt. C. Fraser, who was killed in Egypt, on Oct. 25, beloved husband of our dear friend, Kathy. Greater love hath no man. —Inserted by Mrs. W. Everett. Mabel, Lil and Joan, FRASER. —A tribute to a good pal. Sgt. (Charlie) Fraser, killed in action in Egypt. —Ever remembered by Harry. FRASER. —Proud and loving tribute to my dear brother, Sgt. Charles Fraser. killed in action, October 25, Gave his life to save others. —Ever remembered by his loving sister, Nell. FRASER. —A proud and loving tribute to our dear brother-in-law and friend. Sgt. Charles Fraser, who gave his life in Egypt on Oct. 25, aged 31 years. "Greater love hath no man."—Ever remembered by his sister-in-law Marg., and friend Jean. FRASER. —A loving tribute to my dear brother. Sgt. Charles Fraser, who made the supreme sacrifice in Egypt. Oct. 25, aged 31 years. Too dearly loved to be forgotten. —Always remembered by Jim and Ethel. FRASER. —A loving tribute to my darling brother-in-law. Sgt. Charles Fraser. who made the supreme sacrifice in Egypt, Oct. 25, aged 31 years. "One of the best the world could hold."—Always lovingly remembered by Joyce. FRASER. Sgt. Charles. —Died on active service October 25. Egypt. He died that we may live. Reverent memories from Doss and Roy Kendle. FRASER. —A tribute of honor to a great pal. Sgt. Charlie Fraser, killed in action. Egypt, Oct. 25, aged 31 years. There are memories that will never fade —Always remembered by Wally Everett and Steve Lister. both A.I.F., abroad. FRASER. —A loving tribute to our loved nephew and cousin. Sgt. Charles Fraser who made the supreme sacrifice. Egypt, Oct. 25, aged 31 years. —Always remembered by aunty Myrtle, and cousins Pat, Betty, Don Sandford. FRASER. —A tribute of honor to the memory of our darling brother-in-law and uncle, Sgt. Charles Fraser, aged 31 years, who made the supreme sacrifice on Oct. 25, —Lovingly remembered always by Thelma, Keith, Billy and Bobby. FRASER—A loving tribute to Sgt Charles Fraser, who made the supreme sacrifice. Egypt, Oct. 25, aged 31 years We thank God for every hour we could call him ours. —Lovingly remembered by his mother-in-law. Mrs. Leahy. FRASER. —A tribute of love and honor to my dearly loved husband. Sgt. Charles Fraser also darling daddy of Valma and Don, who made the supreme sacrifice, Egypt, Oct. 25, 1942. Aged 31 yrs.—Your ever-loving wife, Kath. FRASER. —In loving memory of our dear brother. Charlie, killed in action in Egypt. Oct. 25, —Ever remembered by Bill, Tib, and family.
Advertiser Monday 25 October 1943, FRASER-—A tribute to the memory of Sgt. Charles Fraser, killed in action in Egypt. Oct. 25. 1942. Resting in a soldier's grave, your memory honored, with Australia's brave. —lnserted by M. and B. Smith, and Bub (AIF.). FRASER. —In loving memory of our dear uncle, Sgt. Fraser, killed in action In Egypt. Oct. 25. 1942. A little token true and tender. Just to show we still remember. — Inserted by Mary. George Don and Jim. FRASER, —In memory of my brother Sgt. Fraser, killed in action. Egypt, Oct 25. 1942. Memories of you and us together will unite in our hearts forever — Inserted by sister Meg, and brother-in-law FRASER. —A tribute of honor to the memory of our friend, Charlie, killed in action, October 25. 1942.— Ever remembered by Barry, Lill and family. FRASER. —A tribute to my best pal Killed in action. Oct. 25. 1942. Thoughts drift back to bygone days; time drifts on but memory stays. —Pte. Wally Everett (A.I.F. - returned). FRASER. —A tribute of honor to memory of friend Charlie, killed in action Oct. 25. 1942.—Always remembered as one of the best by Mr. and Mrs. Everett George. Harry (A.I.F. returned). FRASER. —A proud tribute to Sgt Chas. beloved husband of my pal Kathy who made the supreme sacrifice on Oct 25. 1942. He died that we might live. Inserted by Joan Harris. FRASER In loving memory of my dear brother. Charlie killed in Egypt October 25. 1942. There is always that sad longing, could we only speak to you —Missed by his brother John, Meg. and family. FRASER-—In loving memory of our dearest friend. Charlie, killed in action October 25. 1942. So dearly loved, so sadly missed. —Inserted by Mabel, Jack and, family. FRASER. —In memory of Sgt. Charles paid the supreme sacrifice. October 25 1942 — Ever remembered by Mrs. Long. FRASER. Sgt.—Loving memories of Charley. killed El Alamein. Oct. 25. 1942 We think of you in silence: no eyes shall see us weep. but in our aching hearts your memory we will keep. —Brother Jim (A.I.F.). Mabel. FRASER. —In loving memory of dear Charlie, killed in action, Egypt. Oct. 25. 1942. We have you in our memory. God has you in His care. —Lovingly remembered always by mother-in-law H. Leahy. and Marg. FRASER. —Loving memories of our dear Charlie, killed in action. Egypt. Oct. 25. 1942.— So dearly loved, so sadly missed by Thelma. Keith and children. FRASER. —In loving memory of dearest Charlie, killed in action. Egypt. Oct. 25. 1942. Memories are things no one can steal, death leaves a heartache no one can heal Lovingly remembered by Joyce FRASER. —In loving memory of our dear brother, Charlie, killed in action October 25. 1942. Not just today, but every day. in silence we remember. — Inserted by Tib and Bill. FRASER. —In loving memory of my dear brother, Charles, killed in action Oct. 25. 1942. Thoughts drift back to bygone days, time drifts on but memory stays. — inserted by his loving sister. Mary FRASER, Sergeant Charles. —In loving memory of Charlie, who gave his all on October 25. 1942. Resting in a soldier's grave, his memory honored with the brave.—Ever remembered by his sister-in-law. Doss, and Roy Kendle. FRASER. —In loving memory dear pal. of S/Sgt. Charles Fraser. killed in action, El Alamein, Oct. 25. 1942. Nobody knows how I miss you. but I always remember what a wonderful pal I had. —lnserted by his pal. Corp. Steve Lister. 48th Battalion. FRASER—In loving memory of S/Sgt. C. Fraser. killed in action at El Alamein on Oct. 25. 1942. We have you in our memory. God has you in His care. Inserted by Mr. and Mrs. Lister and family. FRASER. —In loving memory of our dearest brother, killed in action October 25. 1942. With so much to remember, low could we forget? —inserted by his loving sister and brother-in-law. Nell and Eke. FRASER. —In loving memory of our dear brother, Charlie, killed in action. October 25, 1942. Too far away your grave to see. but not too far to think of thee. —inserted by Gordon and Flossie: FRASEER—In loving memory of my dear brother. Charlie, killed in action. October 25, 1942. I know the years, be they many or few will be remembrance, dear Charlie. of you—inserted by Chris (A.I.F. ret.). FRASER. —In loving memory of Charlie. killed in action, Egypt. October 25. 1942. Whatever else we fail to do we never fail to think of you.—Always remembered by Aunty Myrtle, Pat, Betty, Don Sandfore. FRASER—In loving memory of our darling daddy. Sgt. Charles Fraser. Too dearly loved to ever be forgotten, by Valma and Don. FRASER. —In proud and loving memory of my loved husband. Charlie killed in action, Egypt. October. 25. 1942. Deep in my heart, dear your memory is kept. —- Forever remembered by loving wife. Kath. FRASER—Fond memories of dear brother-in-law, Sgt. Charles, killed active service, October 23. 1542. Time drifts on, but memories stay. — Fondly remembered by Edna, Joe, Betty Eldon. FRASER-—A tribute to the memory of Sgt. Charlie Fraser, who made the supreme sacrifice. October 25. 1942.—Ever remembered by Marg, and Pte G T Molloy.
Advertiser Wednesday 25 October 1944, FRASER.—In loving memory of my dear husband. Charlie, lost his life El Alamein. October 25. 1942. As long as life and memory last, I will remember you. —Your loving wife. Kath. FRASER. —In loving memory of my dear brother Charlie, killed in action. El Alamein, Oct. 25. 1943. Thy purpose. Lord, I cannot see but all is well that is done by Thee. —Remembered always by Chris A.LF., ret. FRASER. —Tribute of honor to Sgt. C. Fraser. killed in action. Oct. 25. 1942. Short and sweet was his call, he so dearly loved by all. —inserted by sister Meg, brother-in-law Eke. FRASER. —In loving memory of Charlie, killed in action. El Alamein. October 25. 1942. Sunshine passes, shadows fall, loving memories outlast all. —Ever remembered by his brother Jim (A.I.F) and Ethel. FRASER- —In loving memory of my dear brother Charlie, killed Oct. 25 1942. Not Just today, but every day in silence I remember. —Inserted by his loving brother. Gordon. FRASER. —In loving memory of my dear brother, Charlie. He gave bis life for those he loved, and left us to remember. —Inserted by loving sister and brother Nell and Eke. FRASER. —In loving memory of my brother. Charlie, killed in action at El Alamein. Oct. 25. 1942. My loss is great I’ll not complain, but trust in God we'll meet again. —inserted by his brother John, Meg and family. FRASER. —In loving memory of my dear pal. Charlie, killed In action. El Alamein There is a road called remembrance, where thoughts and wishes meet: we sadly take that road today to one we cannot greet. —inserted by his pal, Steve Lister 48th Battalion. FRASER In loving memory of S-Sgt. Fraser, killed in action. El Alamein. — Ever remembered by Mrs. Lister and family. FRASER. —Loving memories of dear Charlie, killed in action. Oct. 25. 1942. His duty nobly done. —Ever remembered by Edna, Joe and family. FRASER. —A tribute to the memory of Sgt- Charles Fraser. killed in action, Egypt. October 25. 1942.—Always remembered by M. and B. Smith and Bub AIF. FRASER. —A tribute to the memory of Sgt. Charlie Fraser, killed In action at El Alamein, —Always remembered by Cpl George AIF ret.) and Marg, Molloy and family. FRASER. —In loving memory of our dear friend, Charlie, who was killed at El Alamein on October 25. 1942. So dearly loved so sadly missed. —inserted by Mabel and Jack Gibson and family. FRASER. —A tribute of honor to Sgt. Chas. who made the supreme sacrifice at El Alamein on Oct. 25. 1942. He died as he lived, a soldier and a man. —inserted by Joan Harriss. FRASER. —Loving memory of dear uncle Charlie. Sgt, C. Fraser. killed in action Egypt. Oct. 25. 1942. Thy purpose, Lord, we cannot see, but all is well that's done by Thee. —inserted by Mary. George (AIF) Don and Jim. FRASER. —A token of remembrance to Charlie, who made supreme sacrifice. El Alamein. Oct. 25. 1942. His duty nobly done. —Ever remembered by Harry. Lil and family. FRASER-—Fond memories of Charlie, killed in action. El Alamein, Oct. 25.1942. Not Just today, but every day. in silence we remember. —inserted by mother-in-law. H. Leahy. FRASER In loving memory of dear Charlie, killed in action, El Alamein Oct. 23. I942. —Forever remembered by aunty Myrtle, Pat, Betty and Don Sandford FRASER. —In loving memory of our dear brother-ln-law. Charlie, lost his life, El Alamein, Oct. 25 1942. A tender chord of memory Is softly touched today. —Lovingly remembered by Marge and Joyce. FRASER. —In loving memory of a dear friend and a gallant soldier. Charlie, K.I.A- Egypt. Oct. 25. 1942. A silent thought brings many a tear. —Ever remembered by sister-in-law Doss, Roy and little Kevern. FRASER. —Proud and loving memories linger ever of our dearest father. Sgt. Charles Fraser. So dearly loved, so sadly missed, by Valma and Don. FRASER—In loving memory of Charlie, killed in action. El Alamein. Oct. 25. 1942. We take the road in thought today to one we cannot meet. —Remembered always by Thelma, Keith, children. FRASER. —In fondest memory of my best pal, Charley, killed at El Alamein. October 25, 1942. Loving memories linger ever of happy times we spent together. —Inserted by Wally Everett (AIF, ret.).
Tributes continued to be placed in succeeding years for this well-loved husband, father, brother, friend and fellow soldier. ‘Always remembered.’

Researched and written by Kaye Lee, daughter of Bryan Holmes SX8133, 2/48th Battalion.