Earning his stripes

After enlisting in the R.C.A.F. on April 25, 1941, Murray Fraser was soon directed to the No. 1 Technical Training School in St. Thomas, Ontario, where he trained for 18 intense weeks. On an Occupational History Form he completed on June 16 of that year he felt confident in answering "Airframe Mechanic" to the question "state exact trade or occupation for which you feel qualified." He also stated, "I wish to remain in the R.C.A.F." 

He also answered "No" to the question "Do you feel competent to operate a farm?" and that he did not wish to return to his "former employment" as a farm labourer. 

June 16, 1941

Murray Fraser was clearly more interested in his vocational training than in farming, and did well on trade tests that allowed him to steadily advance. Reclassified as Aircraftman 1, he became an AFM "C" on October 11, 1941.

After good test results and the recommendation of Squadron Leader A. G. Vince, Murray Fraser earned his Airframe Mechanic "C" designation, approved by Commanding Officer and Group Captain R. Collis on October 11, 1941

A document dated November 24, 1941 noted Murray Fraser's test results at St. Thomas. By this time he was at No. 6 Repair Depot, Trenton.

A good report card

Effective February 2, 1942, AC1 Murray Fraser was officially appointed as a LAC on the recommendation as "a good steady worker."

October 20, 1942. Murray Fraser gained 17 pounds and much expertise since his first ID card issued May 6, 1941.

By December 1, 1943 Murray Fraser's work was recognized and he earned his A/CPL stripes.

Throughout his career Murray Fraser was a quiet and diligent worker who preferred to manage work rather than people. A born teacher, he led by example. These traits are evident in a "Confidential Personal Assessment" completed when he earned his A/CPL rank in December of 1943. He scored well in all categories. 

December 1, 1943. Murray Fraser is assessed and his promotion to Temporary Corporal is recommended by Wing Commander A. R. Layard, February 1, 1944.

Taking extra Machine Shop classes at Belleville Vocational School, 18km (11 miles) east of Trenton, impressed Murray's superiors. They didn't know he also wanted to work on his Norton motorcycle in Belleville's machine shop. Overhauling his engine there, Murray left its valves on his workbench and was alarmed to discover an overzealous caretaker swept them into the garbage. Luckily, Murray had recorded the specifications he needed, and re-machined valves from Spitfire stock. He laughed to think he had the only Norton with valves from a Merlin engine.

Murray Fraser earned a B+ grade and his Application to Work was Excellent.

Murray Fraser earned his Corporal stripes and served his country well. His RCAF training and experienced served him well, too. He had found his calling.

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You're in the air force now

Prior to his basic training with the Royal Winnipeg Rifles (October 9 to November 7, 1940), Murray Fraser completed attestation paperwork for the Royal Canadian Air Force. On his application dated August 6, 1940 he lists his civil occupation as farming, "all my life." Somehow I hear a groan when I read this. He told us the war was an honourable way off the farm. 

In 1940 his flying experience was limited: 15 minutes as a passenger, perhaps a ride at a country fair.

He answered the question about skills useful to the R.C.A.F. with "mechanical aptitudes, woodworking, modelmaking," and to the sports question: "hockey, skating – extensively, softball, football – moderately."  

We recognize the handwriting of 21-year-old Murray Fraser.

Farming "all my life"

Within a month following mandatory Basic Training in Brandon (October 9 to November 7, 1940), Murray headed to Winnipeg for vocational training at the Industrial Vocational Education Centre on Henry Avenue. He completed this training on April 15, 1941. 

On April 25, 1941 there were more forms to complete for the RCAF Recruiting Centre in Winnipeg, confirming Murray Fraser's attestation and declaration to serve.

The interviewing officer wrote that recruit Fraser was an "intelligent" type with a "neat" general appearance.

Tradesmen like Airframe Mechanic / Metal Standard Trainee Murray Fraser had to sign Appendix A to agree to perform RCAF duties outside of his trade. He also acknowledged the need to pass tests to remuster to a higher trade group.

April 25, 1941: Appendix A was an Enlistment Agreement for tradesmen.   

 A Movement Order from the Royal Canadian Air Force instructed him to leave Winnipeg on April 28, 1941 at 1830 hours. Murray was to present paperwork to the Orderly Room upon arrival in Toronto at 0630 on April 30, 1941. 

Three days after signing his Special Reserve attestation forms, Murray Fraser was off  to St. Thomas, Ontario, 201 km (125 miles) southwest of Toronto for more specialized instruction at the RCAF's #1 Technical Training School. He studied Airframe Mechanics for 18 weeks and Advanced Metal Work for six, earning the standard rank of Leading Aircraftman.

The scar in Dad's left eyebrow was not a war injury; it was a baseball one. 

After several months of specialized training, and reams of bumf, Murray Fraser was ready to put his skills into practice. April 25, 1941 would be a date he would well remember. 

You're in the air force now.

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