Fraser, Evan 11653 (1896 - 1915)

Private, 2nd Bn. Royal Scots

Buried at Perth Cemetery (China Wall)

Commemorated at Shot at Dawn Memorial

Of 148, McLean, St, Plantation.

Evan was executed for desertion in August 1915,aged 19. He absconded from his regiment at 4pm on 24 May 1915. He was arrested the next day at a local railway station in possession of a forged pass and handed back to the British.

Whilst in British custody he escaped, but again was caught after little more than 24 hours. Two weeks later, he escaped custody for a second time and again was arrested within a day.

On 13 July he was charged with having deserted on three occasions and of conduct to the prejudice of good order (having a forged pass). He was undefended at his trial. He pleaded guilty to the forgery, but not guilty to the counts of desertion. His battalion adjutant gave evidence, saying that Fraser was "a continual source of annoyance", a shirker and a continual deserter.

He was shot at 4am on 2 August 1915.