Not being privy to the information gathered by the CFNIS I cannot honestly comment on the charge of Manslaughter. However as a retired soldier I can relate to the tragedy which involved 2 friends and other comrades confined in the Bumpy,small space of a G wagon in enemy territory. I personally belive that an accidental discharge took place. Naturally weapons are cocked and loaded in these threatening circumstances.
You will all read the coverage by national and Local papers. You will see what the widow Julie Mason said, she does not wish M/Cpl Fraser to be tried with manslaughter she truly believes it was a tragic accident. Naturally the parents of M/Cpl Fraser believe the same.
M/Cpl Fraser as a professional soldier will remember his friend and indeed the entire incident everyday of his life. I feel the military should have perhaps charged him with negligence in his duty, cautioned him and moved on.
The DND has allowed M/Cpl Fraser to attend his Senior NCO course in Gagetown. Why would they allow a man who is under investigation to take a place on a promotion course. Because his immediate superiors feel he is a good soldier and worthy of promotion.
Nothing will ever bring back the life of M/Cpl Jeff Walsh. Nothing will ever cease the grief that both families feel and I am sure that this travesty of Military Justice may be turned around with a clear verdict of Not Guilty for the charge of manslaughter.
As an aside if M/Cpl Fraser was being tried in PEI as a civilian he just might be lucky enough to get the soft judges, who recently gave one man, a year House arrest for killing a mother and daughter with his vehicle and another man who killed a NS student after a night out with his vehicle got only 7 days in Sleepy Hollow.
M/Cpl Fraser be Strong, Be Proud and always be a Patricia .
Perhaps it is time for The Right Honourable Adrienne Clarkson Colonel in Chief to step in and override these charges and end this travesty.
Nil Sine Labore
Robby
