Aberdeen firefighter honoured 113 years after dying in line of duty

William Fraser was awarded a Red Plaque on Sunday

A Red Plaque for William Fraser at Adelphi Court
Author: Finlay JackPublished 25th Apr 2022

A firefighter believed to be the last to die fighting a blaze in Aberdeen has been awarded a Red Plaque by the Fire Brigades Union (FBU).

William Fraser was tackling a warehouse fire at Adelphi Court in 1909 when he fell 40-feet to the ground after being knocked off a ladder by some falling debris. He was pronounced dead 10 minutes later.

The Red Plaque scheme was launched in 2017 as a memorial for firefighters who lost their lives in the line of duty.

The plaque, funded by the fire brigades lottery, hangs at Adelphi Court, reading: "Honouring the bravery and sacrifice of William Fraser of Aberdeen Central Fire Station who gave his life in the line of duty at Adelphi Court, Aberdeen. 2nd March 1909."

"The biggest honour"

Scott MacRory, North Area Organiser for the FBU and Crew Commander and Aberdeen Central Fire Station, said: "This was just one guy that died 113 years ago that had been sort of forgotten about almost.

"So we were able to get this awarded and it's, it is incredible, it is a huge honour. It's the biggest honour you can get within the fire service and the fire brigade.

"He died doing something he loves; protecting the communities that he served. And it's it's a way of remembering him and giving something back to him for that. So we are delighted. We're very, very happy."

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