Sergeant Bobby Fraser, 257 Squadron

On 4 April 2013, a moving ceremony was held at Moat Farm, Shadoxhurst to unveil a marker commemorating the spot where 20 year old Sergeant Pilot Robert HB (Bobby) Fraser of 257 Squadron died when his Hurricane V6851 crashed on 22 October 1940 after an encounter with Messerschmitt Me 109s over Folkestone. He is interred in Craigton Cemetery, Glasgow.

 

Hurricane pilot Bob Foster DFC, AE, was among those who attended the final tribute. Bob, of course, has an Australian connection as one of those who helped defended Darwin in 1943 in No. 1 Spitfire Wing. The plaque was unveiled by Kent High Sheriff Michael Bax. He owns the land where Bobby Fraser died and believed a permanent memorial to the airman should be erected.

 

Vale. And Rest in Peace.

 

 

(Bobby Fraser commemorative ceremony at Shadoxhurst, April 2013. Left to right: Geoff Simpson, Kathe ("Katie") Foster, Andy Simpson, chap from Headcorn branch of RAFA, Bob Foster nearest camera.  courtesy of Geoff Simpson. Taken by Barry Duffield)

(To left, holding RAF flag, The High Sheriff, Michael Bax, who owns the land. To Right, Bob Foster. Courtesy of Geoff Simpson. Photo taken by Barry Duffield.)