Bomber pilot and philanthropist. Died aged 79.
Bill Fraser, DFC, DFM, one of the RNZAF's bravest and most skilful pilots, carried out two tours of anti-shipping operations and 72 sorties between February 1943 and February 1945.
During the first tour he flew Wellington bombers carrying torpedoes in the Mediterranean and in the
second piloted anti-shipping Beaufighters off the coasts of Holland, Germany and Norway.
His night sorties on Wellington bombers were as hazardous as any undertaken in any air force command during the Second World War.
Fraser made many successful night attacks without the benefit of modern navigation aids, often against almost impossible odds. On one occasion, he torpedoed and set his target on fire after a low head-on attack.
A few nights later he torpedoed a large tanker amidships in the face of heavy anti-aircraft fire from two escorting destroyers, even though his aircraft had been damaged by the flak and his rear gunner wounded.
He was awarded a Distinguished Flying Medal for "great courage, skill and initiative" for these sorties, carried out while serving with 38 and 221 (RAF) Squadrons in the Middle East.
Night torpedo attacks, at between 15m and 30m above the water in an aircraft not designed for such operations, were regarded as almost suicidal.
On one occasion, Fraser limped home with part of the topmast of an enemy vessel embedded in the nose of his aircraft.
His second tour of operations with 489 (NZ) Beaufighter Squadron flying Beaufighters carrying torpedoes, cannon and occasionally bombs was marginally less hazardous.
His citation for a Distinguished Flying Cross in 1944 referred to his determination, fearlessness and devotion to duty.
Fraser spent most of his postwar career as a stockbroker in Auckland, setting up charitable trusts to help organisations such as medical research and the hospice movement.
He is survived by his wife, Elizabeth.
