Topic: BW - NSW - NSWCBC
26 Trooper Fergus Stewart Frater, NSW Citizens' Bushmen
On Monday, 29 January 1900, Fergus Stewart Frater turned up with his saddle to Randwick Race Track in Sydney and enrolled with the NSW Citizens' Bushmen. After a couple days rigorous testing which involved a medical, a shooting test and a riding test.
Fergus Stewart Frater after attestation and allotment to "A" Squadron
At the end of the month, on 28 February 1900, the men of the contingent boarded the SS Atlantian from Cowper Wharf where they remained for the next 24 hours. The next day, following Admiralty rules, on 1 March 1900, the ship departed Sydney Heads for South Africa.
26 Trooper Fergus Stewart Frater.
Fergus Stewart Frater was born in 1876 at Yarraman, NSW. to parents Alexander and Penelope Frater. He was a shearer by employment. In February 1900 he enlisted in the NSW Citizens' Bushmen as 26 Trooper Fergus Stewart Frater, "A" Squadron. Frater is recorded in Murray, p. 76. Frater was awarded the Queen's South African Medal with the 1901 bar. Frater signed up for further service in South Africa with the Canadian Scouts. His term was from 8 October 1901 to 14 April 1902.
After returning to Australia Frater went back to shearing again. In 1912, Frater married Blanche Beaton. The family settled in Narrabri.
Citation: 26 Trooper Fergus Stewart Frater, NSW Citizens' Bushmen
