Admiral of the Fleet
Sir bruce Austin Fraser
G.C.B., k.b.e.
Baron fraser of north cape

Updated 18-Oct-2007

Personal Details
Event	Date / details	Source
Date of Birth	5 February 1888	1
Place of Birth	Acton	1
Name of father	General Alexander Fraser	6
Profession of father
Wife's Name	Never married	4
Date of Death	13 February 1981	4
Place of Burial

Rank History
Rank	Date attained	Source
Entered Service	5 February 1888	2
Midshipman	15 January 1904	1
Sub-Lieutenant	15 March 1907	1
Lieutenant	15 March 1908	1
Lieutenant-Commander	15 March 1916	1
Commander	30 June 1919	1
Captain	30 June 1926	1
Rear-Admiral	11 January 1938	1
Vice-Admiral	8 May 1940	1
Admiral	7 February 1944	2
Admiral of the Fleet	22 October 1948	4

Honours and Knighthoods
Honour or Knighthood	Date awarded	Date Gazetted	Source
Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire OBE (M)	17 July 1919	15 July 1919	5
Companion of the Most Honourable Order of the Bath (CB (Mil))	2 January 1939	30 December 1938	5
Knight Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (K.B.E.) Birthday Honours	1 July 1941	27 June 1941	5
KCB	June 1943		4
GCB	Dec 1943?		4
Created Baron	1 January 1946	28 December 1945	5
First and Principal Naval Aide de Camp to His Majesty King George VI (to 3 October 1948 - LG 8 October 1948)
Designation 'of North Cape' added to Baronial title	24 September 1946	24 September 1946	5
Knight Grand Cross of the Most Honourable Order of the Bath (G.C.B.)	Not yet found	Not yet found

Rewards & Distinctions

Source: ADM 196/56 Service History

Gained 4 mths time on passing out of Britannia

Jan / 09 £10 prize for 6 1st class certs

Awarded Commdr Egerton prize for year 1911-12 (CW 14253)

OBE (M) Gaz 17.7.19

CW6581/36 Awarded G.S.P. of £150 p.a. from 13th July 1936

CW 6592/36 - Appts A.D.C. to the King - 19th July 1936

CB (Mil) New Year Honours Jan 1939 Ldn Gazette 2.1.39

K.B.E. Gaz. 1/7/41

Created Baron Gaz 1-1-46

Examinations

Source: ADM 196/56 Service History

15 MAr 07 Passed Seamanship 1 Cl 944/1000

Sept 07 Passed Part I (takes Part II)

1 Nov 07 Passed Torpedo 1st Cl 189/200

13 Dec 07 Passed Pilotage 1 Cl 918/1000

3 Apl 08 Passed Gunnery 1 Cl 899/1000

Dec 08 Passed Part II A1. B1.

Special Attainments or Qualifications

Source: ADM 196/56 Service History

1912 Quald G duties

30 June 1913 Quald (G) +

Despatches and other relevant documents

Service / Appointments History
Ship	Station	Date of appointment	Date of discharge	Cause	Source
Britannia	Trg Ship	16/9/02	15/1/04	Passed out	1
Hannibal	Portsmth	15/1/04	22.2.05		1
Prince George tempy on recomg		22.2.05	15/3/07		1
Goliath tempy		15/3/07	22/4/07	Course	1
Triumph	Chan	13.5.07	17.9.07		1
Gipsy	Manrs	30.6.08			1
Lancaster	Med	16.1.09	30.5.10	P.O.	1
in lieu of Sub Lieut.		19.6.09
Patrol		28.6.10		Manrs	1
Bodicea	H.F.	8.8.10	31.7.11		1
Excellent to qualy in G		31.7.11	13.9.12		1
Thrasher		2.7.12		Manrs	1
Excellent (G) add		13.9.12			1
Lent R.N. Coll Greenwich for advnaced course		1.10.12			1
Irrisistible in lieu of ???		15.7.13			1
Minerva (G)		7.14		Test Mobn	1
Minerva (G)		1.8.14	8.4.16	England	1
Excellent add (G)		1-6-16	15.6.16
Victory addl (G) for Resolution & Resolution (G) on Commg		15.6.16	5.11.19		1
Lent Royal Sovereign for short period prior ot commg of Resolution		6.16			1
Re-apptd on promotion		30.6.19			1
Resolution as Cdr. of ships		5.11.19	19.4.20		1
Resolution (G)		15.6.16	26.5.20		2
Julius for Enzeli Expedition		19.4.20			1
		25.4.20	4.5.20		2
Excellent		10.1.20	8.6.22		1
Excellent (Staff)		10.1.21	7.6.22		2
President addl for duty with DNO / DTM		8.6.22	20/12/24		1
Duty with D.N.O. & D.T.M.		8.6.22	19.12.24		2
Queen Elizabeth addl & on staff on CinC as Fleet (G) Officer vice Holland on joining		20/12/24			1
Q. Elizabeth (Fleet G. Officer)		21.12.24	21.5.26		2
Warspite addl as (G) offr on transfer of Flag		26	8.26	supd	1
		21.5.26			2
Victory for SOTC Part II		18.10.26
			10.12.26		2
President addl		24.1.27
& as Head of Tactical Section of Naval Staff ?vice Taylor?		31.1.27
Presidet addl for duty in Tactical Division		24.12.28	26.8.29	supd
			15.9.29		2
???? Effingham addl & Effingham in cmd & as Flag Capt. & Chief of Staff to V/A BS Thesiger ??????		16.10.29			1
		6.9.29	30.9.32
& on recomg		3/30	8.8.32	Supd as FC &Cof S	1
Vivid addl for Leander & Leander in cd (G) on comg for trials		25.11.32	21.12.32	supd	1
Vivid for Leander		10.11.32	20.12.32		2
& Leander i/c on commg for trials		25.11.32			2
Victory addl for Senior Officers Technical Cse		24.4.32	1933?		1
Technical Course		24.4.33	26.6.33		2
President Addl (D.L. 9/5)		15.7.33			1
& as Director of Naval Ordnance		12.8.33	20.4.36	DL 6/3 Supd	1
			22.4.36		2
Victory addl for S.O.'s Tact. Cse (DL 20/4)		11.5.36			1
			21.5.36		2
Glorious addl		22.5.36			1
			3.1.38		2
& Glorious addl in Cmd and as Flag Capt & C.S.O. to R/A Aircraft Carrirers v Rawlings (DL 21/5)		36	7.12.37	Supd	1
Victory addl for Cornwall & Cornwall in Cmd on cmg. Trails & Service (DL 1/6)		27/8/37
Warspite addl		1.4.38			1
& as COS to Adml Sir ADR Pound v Edward-Collins (DL 24/2)		2.5.38	6.2.38	DL 24/1 Supd	1
		1.5.38	5.2.39		2
To be a Lord Commissioner of the Admiralty and Controller in succession to Admiral Sir Regd GH Henderson KCB CW 3693/39 (DL 28/2/39)		1.3.39			1
			4.42		2
To be V/A Cmdg Second B.S. and second in Cmd H.F. in succession to V/A A.T.B. Curteis, C.B. (DL 26/5)		28.6.42			1
D/L 23/6 President addl whilst unemployed		22.5.42
& President addl for tempy duty inside Adty with D of T not exceedig 2 wks		22.6.42			1
			27.6.42		2
Vice Admiral Commanding 2nd Battle Squadron & 2nd in Cd. Home Fleet vice Curteis		28.6.42	14.4.43		2
		16 June 42
To be C in C H. F. with acting rank of Ad. in succession to Ad. Sir John Tovey		15.4.43 8.5.43			2
Re-apptd		7.2.44			2

Reports
Source: ADM 196/51 - Service History
Date of Report	General Conduct	Ability	Professional knowledge, specifying any particular branch	Whether temperate habits	Special knowledge or acquirements (Languages, Drawing, & c.)	Remarks, mentioning any special defects or high qualifications as regards Zeal, Judgment, Physical Qualities, & c., and if specially recommended for advancement.	Remarks
Dec 04	VGI	VGI	VG	Yes	Draws & paints knows some French	Zealous & hardwkg. Promises v well.	Capt. Tate
Jan 06	VG	VG	VG	Yes		-----"-----	?????
Jan 07	VG	VG	VG	Yes		Zealous & painstaking	---"---
Dec 09	VGI	VGI	VG			Zealous & capable. Promising	Capt Fremantle
5/10	VGI	VGI	VG	Yes		Zealous & able. Rec for (G)	Capt. Tothill
12/10	VGI	VGI	VG	Yes		Zealous	Cdre Charlton
6.11	All VGI Yes ?V? able & trusty Gd phys. Recd to qualify for (G) Lt.						Cdre Arbuthnot
8.14	Satis. Except. Clever & painstaking good work ?promising? D.F. book & Assting in revision of (G) Manual						Capt. Singer
Oct 17	Satis. Exceptional (b) Exceptionally good. Would do well anywhere.						RA Bruen
9/18	Sat. Ex. (a) Keen, clever & very efficient. Strongly recommended for promn						R/A Barttelot
3/19	Sat ex most efficient & reliable officer good cd of men.						Cpt. Woodhouse
11.22	Sat abav Has ????? his difficult duties quickly & well, most able & reliable ex. judgment good initiative.						Capt. Backhouse
12.24	Sat ab av. (b) xlent administrative ability						Capt. Money
6/25	Sat ab av. (b) very tactful, very reliable, zealous. Capt Domvile Recd for early promotion						Adml ?Brock?

Special Reports or Service

Source: ADM 196/56 Service History

22 Aprl 07 Joined Whale Isd (I)

Aploy unable to finish Part I exam owig to sickness: sent to sea till next exam

A4331/09 commended for cred results in Ronald Megaw Prize competition

W/K recd Jan 09

Name noted to qualify in (G) July 1910

Appreciation of Services in Compilation of Handbook for Director Firing G. 0404/14

Tel 26/4/16 Leaves Columbo 26/4/16 by Derbyshire

To be lent to a ship in Grand Fleet for short period prior to ship commg

CW9965/19 O.B.E. (M) for valuable services as Gunnery Officer of HMS Resolution 1st BS Gaz ?17.7.17?

Recommended for promotion Dec 1917 Ad Madden

Invested OBE(M) at Holyrood Palace 4/12/19

Recd for promotion June 1919 Ad Madden

5.5.20 Wire from CinC Medn included in NAval party sent to Engeli & captured en route by Bolsheviks & detained under surveillence at Baku.

2.9.20 V.A.C. 1st B.S. infd that no action is being taken on confidential report as to this officer in view of his remarks thereon (Report dated 24.6.20 lack of experience)

9.6.20 Information via Dutch Council confined to Babeloff Prison

Report from cd. ?Locke? removed to ??? house outside Bake on 13.8.20

Wire from CinC Medn 8.11.20 all naval ?prisoners? now arrived at ?Tifles? pending negotiations re exchange of prisoners

Wire from CinC Medn 11.11.20 Leaving Constantinople on board "Heliotope" for Malta & England 12.11.20

Arrived England alone (by land Gibr) 26.11.20

No 2/130/20 to be granted 3 weeks leave in addition to any foreign service leave due

G02137/25AL Jun 1926 TLs apprecn exd of seal displayed in production of new fire control table while serving in N.O.D.

CW 3762/33 application to visit Med Fleet not approved

Tel 1137/3/5/38 from CinC Med Officer assumed duties of CofS Med Fleet 2.5.38

CW 3762/33 (illegible)

CW 4747/39 reported sick on shore 14/3/39

CW 6574/39 returned to duty 20/3/39

0942B/ 27/6/42 from CinC HF hoisted Flag as VA 2BS & 2nd in Cd HF in Kenya 0800 28/6/42 & transferred to Anson 0800 29/6/42

HF0827B 29/6 Flag to be transferred tp Victorious pm 29/6/42

CinC HF 1739 8/7/42 Flag of VA2 transferred to Anson 1830 8/7

Gazette 19.1.43 Awarded Grand Officer of the Order of Orange Norway bestowed by the Queen of the Netherlands for services to the R.N.N. in U.K. & Fart East.

To be CinC H.F. with Acting rank of Adl in succession to Adl Sir J.C. Tovey 15.4.43 * * Unable to assume cd owing to ?the disposition now sea? 15/4/43

MDG 18068/43 Officer ?reported? sick on shore 10.1.43

MDG 18065/43 Adm Royal ?Masonic? Hosp. 14.4.43

SSBA 180 12/5/43 Flag as VA2BS struck ? 10.5.43 date Commodore Kinahan assumed duty

Captain's Confidential Reports
Source: ADM 196/92 -Captain's Confidential Report
Date	Remarks	Reporting Officer
17.7.19	Gazette 17.7.19 O.B.E. for valuable services as G. offr of "Resolution".
28.4.20	Captured whilst en route to Enzali, Caspean Sea: detained at Baku under very severe conditions: released 5.11.25. T.L.s expressed (A.W.O. 3/21) appreciation of fine behaviour of all ranks in the trying circs of their imprisonment.
6/25 - 8/26	A v. exceptional offr. Has a strong influence on those he comes into contact with. Has strong views on most subjects, but is nevertheless v. tactful. A strong personality. Physically fit. Good social qualities: does not take much part in social activities, but has no distaste for them. Recomd for further & more responsible employt.	R/A Pound
6/25 - 8/26	Adm Keyes concurs generally adding "An exceptionally able staff offr. Likely to do well in the higher ranks."	Adm Keyes
31/1/27 - 22/4/29	An exceptionally able Staff Officer who has proved a great success as Head of the Tactical Section. A strong personality which is combined with tactfulness. Recommended for employment as F.O. afloat.	R Adml Pound.
24/12/28 - 25/8/29	Above average. I have formed a very high opinion of Capt. Fraser's tact, personality and social qualities. His service under me having been at the Admiralty only, I am not able to judge his power of command & leadership.	Capt. Thursfield
	A valuable officer who should go far.	R/A Tomkinson
24.10.30	Inspn of Effingham: great credit due to Capt. F. (N.L. 3740/30)
12/29 - 8/32	(c), (l) 5; (d) - 3; (e) 4; (f), (h) 7; (g) 8; (i) - at sea, 5, enclosed waters 9; (j) yes. A hardworking & loyal officer who has served me well for 2.5 yers under, at times, trying climatic conditions. As Capt. of Effingham he has had a happy & efficient ship. He somwhat lacks qualities of leadership & command & is deficient in 'fire' & enthusiasm, tho he takes great interest in the training of personnel. With his kindly disposition he is apt to allow his heart to rule his head in dealing with his subordinates & his judgments is often not sound. Not afraid of responsibility, he handles his ship well in enclosed waters & has good nerve. As COS he has been helpful, especially in G. matters, but has not shown any outstanding qualities of initiative or imagination. He is an excellent lecturer & explains a situation well. Socially, altho' not in any sense of the word a 'man of the world', he is very popular & gets on well with everyone. Physically fit but does not take part in many games.	V/A Fullerton
15.7.33 - 22.4.34	(c) (d) (f) - 7; (e) I.K.; (g) (h) (l as D.N.O.) - 8; (m) yes; as far as possible to judge. I ahve been much struck with the raipdity with which Captain Fraser has picked up the threads of his by no means easy 'job.' A very loyal, tactful and pleasant officer of high technical attainments in gunnery matters with sound ideas on his profession generally. Possessed of sound common sense as far as can be judged from his present appointment should do well anywhere. Physically and socially sound.	V/A C.M. Forbes 3rd Sea Lord
26.3.34 - 19.4.36	(h) - 9; (c) (d) (f) (g) 8' (l) I.K. I feel that few could be found to have done the arduous work on D.N.O. better. Is a thinker and not absorbed in Gunnery only has a very pleasant manner and sense of humour. Some may think that he is not very firm, but I don't think that is the case - he can hold his own and take charge.	V/A Sir R.G.H. Henderson
12.8.36 - 14.7.37	(c) and (f) 6; (d) (e) (g) (h) (i) and (l) 7; (j) and (m) Yes A quite determined officer who has much more in him than meets the eye. He has certainly commanded "Glorious" with distinction. My association with him during exercises has shown that he is ready to carry out all his air requirements with judgment and success. I ahve been struck in my visits to his ship by the good spirit which animates both officers and men which is shown by the manners in which the upkeep of the ship has been maintained & her smart & clean appearance. He is most loyal and pleasant to deal with. Physically fit & socially most delightful.	Vice-Admiral Sir Geoffrey Blake.
15 July 1937 - 7 Dec 1937	(c), (f) 6; (d), (g), (h), (i) and (l) 7; (j) and (m) yes. My opportunities of judging this officer's capabilities have been few but from them I am able to endorse the opinions expressed by my predecessor in his report of the 14 July 1937	Vice Admiral A.B. Cunningham
	Undated slip which appears to be page 3 with pages 1 and 2 missing Captain Bruce A. Fraser O.B.E., A.D.C. A first class Captain of a ship who is never afraid of taking responsibility. A very good and quick brain. Very loyal and tactful. A good disciplinarian. Physically fit. Very popular. A distinct sense of humour. I expect to see Captain Fraser go very far in the Service I give him a numerical assessment of 95. Recommended for employment as Flag Officer. (Sd.) Dudley Pound. ADMIRAL.
New Year 1939	C.B.
20 February 1939	Med. No. 195/0629 The Secretary of the Admiralty In accordance with King's Regulations and Admiralty Instructions, Article 865, the following report is forwarded on Rear-Admiral B.A. Fraser, CB, OBE. I consider Rear-Admiral Fraser comes in the 100 - 91 Class as being "outstanding in very way and strongly recommended for retention on the Vice-Admiral List. Professional knowledge: exceptional. Power of command: Exceptional. Readiness to take responsibility: Exceptionally so. Personality: A strong and foreceful personality combined with tact. Physical activity: Very good indeed. Ability to bring a broad-minded view to bear on matters of policy and PUBLIC AFFAIRS: Possesses this power to an exceptional degree. Rear-Admiral Fraser has a very quick brain and possesses initiative. He was a great success as Chief of Staff and did an immense amount of work. He was loyalty personified which is not easy in the position he held for anyone who possesses a quick brain and has strong convictions. With the experience he would gain in command of a squadron he should be admirably equipped for the command of one of the Main Fleets, and I hope his tenure of the appointment of Third Sea Lord and Controller will not be extended to such a period as will interfere with his career afloat. (Sd) Dudley Pound. Admiral.
12.6.39 - .6.42	(c) (d) (f) (g) (h) (i) ; (e) 7; (k) Yes. An exceptionally able officer who has been a great success as Controller. A strong character but inclined to be a little pigheaded at times. His judgment is not infallible. I have every reason to think that he will be a most successful Flag Officer afloat in war time.	Admiral of the Fleet Sir Dudley Pound 28th June 1942
	Order of Orange Nassau (Grand Officer) by Queen of Netherlands for services to R.N.N. in the U.K. & the Far East.
Birthday 1943	K.C.B. (Military)
5.1.44	Vice-Admiral (Acting Admira) Sir Bruce A. FRASER, K.C.B., K.B.E. G.C.B. For good services rendered in the pursuit and destruction of the SCHARNHORST on the 26th December, 1943. (5.1.44)
29.2.44	Admiral Sir Bruce Austin Fraser G.C.B., K.B.E. Awarded the Order of Suvorov, First Degree For distinguished services in the action which resulted in the sinking of the German Battleship SCHARNHORST. (L.G. 29.2.44)

Commander's Confidential Reports
Source: ADM 196/128 - Commander's Confidential Reports
Date	Remarks	Reporting Officer
	Awarded OBE /M for valuable services as (G) officer of HMS 'Resolution' 1st Battle Squadron Gazette 14.7.19
7.1.20	S206. 7.1.20 Sat Ab av, An excellent Executive officer; extremely level headed & a fine organiser; handles the men with great tact & ability; he was a most able gunnery officer in the ship until he relieved Cdr. Bellairs; most popular in every way; charming manners & personality.	Capt. Alington
25.4.20	With Enzeli Expedition
4/5/20	Tele from CinC Med Believed captured by Bolsheviks at Baku. Reported at Adty 25.11.20. Was captured whilst in route to Enzeli Caspian Sea on 28/4/20 & detained at Baku under very severe conditions. Released 5.11.20.
Jan 21	TLs expressed their appreciation of the fine behavious of all ranks in the trying circumstances of their imprisonment. AWO. ?/1921
18.8.22	S206. 18.8.22 Sat Ex. (a) Very capable, keen brain, practical efficiency, great knowledge of (G) in all it's (sic) branches. Very tactful & offrs & men will do anything for him. His knowledge and character make him a very valuable Offr. Good physique.	Capt. Mitchell
30/11/22	S206. 30/11/22 Sat Ab av. Appointed to D.T.M.'s Low Power Section but works also on D.N.O. on new Fire Control Table. Has learnt the very difficult & complex work in connection with the new Fire Control Table quickly & thoroughly. Most able & reliable offr. with excellent judgment & good initiative & decision. Gets on well with everyone.	Capt. Blackhouse
	Fully concur.	Capt. Donaldson
31.12.23	S206. 31.12.23 Sat. abav. (a) Most able & reliable. Applied himself with energy & success to development of new Exptl Fire Control Table on which he is now an expert & most difficult to replave. Has sound judgment & is tactful.	Capt. Henley
	Concur. Has done most useful work & maintained excellent liaison between D.T.M. & D.N.O. Depts. Very able & zealous Offr.	Capt. Donaldson
5.24	S206 5.24 Sat Abav (a) January report holds good. A very able & excellent offr.	Capt. Donaldson
Dec 1924	R/A Fuller recommends for promotion (4)
19.12.24	S206. 19.12.24 (a) (G) in L.P. Elect design dept. D.T.M. (b) (c) (g) Ex (d) (f) (h) Abav. (e) 2 Av. First rate physique, pleasant personality, even temperament. Excellent admin ability (n) 2. Recd Specially Capt. Mooney. Fully endorse D.T.M.'s report has been e,ployed on special work, development of Fire Control Tables & systems for new construction & is largely due to his tact, energy & admin ability that develpoment has reached present advanced successful stage. Can confidently recommend him for special promotion. Eminently fitted for Staff work.	Capt. Stenley
8.6.25	S206A 8.6.25 (a) Fleet (G) All abav except (c) Ex (e) 1 Staff offr. (f) very tactful (g) V.G. (m) quiet in methods, pleasant personality equable temperament (n) 2 Recd specially	Cdre Domvile
	Very able (G) recd for early promotion.	Ad Brock
June 1925	Mediterranean recommended for promotion. 12/25
June 1925	Of outstanding merit, worthy of early promotion.	Ad Brock.
Dec 1925	Mediterranean recommended for promotion. 4/19
Dec 1925	Specially recommended of exceptl merit, worthy of early promotion.	Ad Keyes
30.1.26	TLs appreciation of xeal & ability displayed in assisting to produce Fire Control Table. G02137/26
June 1926	Mediterranean recommended for promotion. 1/32

Lieutenant's Confidential Reports
Source: ADM 196/ - Lieutenant's Confidential Reports
Date	Remarks	Reporting Officer

Sources
1	ADM 196/51 Page 96 - Service History	National Archives
2	Captain's Confidential Report	National Archives
3	Commander's Confidential Report	National Archives
4	Times, 13 February 1981	Worcestershire County Council Library Service
5	London Gazette (various dates)	www.gazettes-online.co.uk
6	Fraser of North Cape, Richard Humble, Routledge & Kegan Paul, 1983

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